VS
At a Glance
Power
210 kW
442 kW
Torque
650 Nm
820 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
3.8 s
Engine
2993 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 7 Series and the BMW i5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 7 Series delivers 210 kW while the BMW i5 produces 442 kW. On fuel, the 7 Series returns 6.9 l/100km while the i5 uses 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 422 607 for the 7 Series and R2 080 000 for the i5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
210 kW
442 kW
Torque
650 Nm
820 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
3.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
230 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
74 l
81.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5391 mm
5060 mm
Width
1950-2192 mm
1900-2156 mm
Height
1544 mm
1505 mm
Wheelbase
3215 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
—
136 mm
Kerb Weight
2180 DIN / 2255 EU Kg
2305 DIN / 2380 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5 (opt 4)
5
Load Volume
540 l
490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
800 l
590 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW i5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
i5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
i5
Practicality
7 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 Series
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Less power than rival (210 kW vs 442 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW i5
More powerful engine (442 kW)
Lower starting price (R2 080 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 Series or i5?
The 7 Series uses 6.9 l/100km and the i5 uses 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 7 Series or i5?
The 7 Series produces 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the i5 delivers 442 kW and 820 Nm of torque. The i5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 7 Series and i5?
The 7 Series starts from R2 422 607 and the i5 from R2 080 000. The i5 is cheaper by R342 607 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 7 Series or i5?
The 7 Series has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the i5 can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 7 Series or the i5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.