VS
At a Glance
Power
400kW@5250
442 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
820 Nm
Fuel
13
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2100
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6
3.8 s
Engine
5972
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 400kW@5250 while the BMW i5 produces 442 kW. On fuel, the 7 SERIES returns 13 while the i5 uses 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 785 247 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
400kW@5250
442 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
820 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6
3.8 s
Top Speed
250
230 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5972
electric cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
—
Cylinders
12
—
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
electric
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.7
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
82
81.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
303
—
Dimensions
Length
5212
5060 mm
Width
1902
1900-2156 mm
Height
1484
1505 mm
Wheelbase
3210
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
134
136 mm
Kerb Weight
2175
2305 DIN / 2380 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
500
590 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
i5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
7 SERIES
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 SERIES
Lower starting price (R1 785 247)
Higher towing capacity (2100)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW i5
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 SERIES or i5?
The 7 SERIES uses 13 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 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque while the i5 delivers 442 kW and 820 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 7 SERIES and i5?
The 7 SERIES starts from R1 785 247 and the i5 from R2 080 000. The 7 SERIES is cheaper by R294 753 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 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.