VS
At a Glance
Power
442 kW
405kW@6000
Torque
795 Nm
800Nm@2250
Fuel
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
12.2
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
3.8
Engine
electric cc
4806
Choosing between the BMW i4 and the PORSCHE PANAMERA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW i4 delivers 442 kW while the PORSCHE PANAMERA produces 405kW@6000. On fuel, the i4 returns 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km while the PANAMERA uses 12.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 750 000 for the i4 and R2 231 000 for the PANAMERA. 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
442 kW
405kW@6000
Torque
795 Nm
800Nm@2250
0-100 kph
3.7 s
3.8
Top Speed
225 Km/h
306
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
4806
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
—
8
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
12.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
18
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.9
Fuel Tank Capacity
83.9 kWh l
100
CO2 Emissions
—
286
Dimensions
Length
4783 mm
4970
Width
1852-2073 mm
1931-2114
Height
1448 mm
1418
Wheelbase
2856 mm
2920
Ground Clearance
125 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2210 DIN / 2285 EU Kg
1995
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
470-1290 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
520 l
1250
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
Optional
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
90000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW i4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
i4
Fuel Economy
PANAMERA
Value
i4
Practicality
i4
Pros & Cons
BMW i4
Lower starting price (R1 750 000)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (17.1 kWh/100km l/100km)
PORSCHE PANAMERA
Better fuel economy (12.2)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i4 or PANAMERA?
The i4 uses 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km and the PANAMERA uses 12.2 on the combined cycle. The PANAMERA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the i4 or PANAMERA?
The i4 produces 442 kW and 795 Nm of torque while the PANAMERA delivers 405kW@6000 and 800Nm@2250 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the i4 and PANAMERA?
The i4 starts from R1 750 000 and the PANAMERA from R2 231 000. The i4 is cheaper by R481 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i4 or PANAMERA?
The i4 has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the PANAMERA can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i4 or the PANAMERA?
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.