VS
At a Glance
Power
535 kW
380kW@5000
Torque
1000 Nm
830Nm@1800
Fuel
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 w
14.2
Towing
2000 Kg
2035
0-100 km/h
3.5 s
—
Engine
4395 cc
5513
Choosing between the BMW M5 and the MERCEDES S-CLASS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW M5 delivers 535 kW while the MERCEDES S-CLASS produces 380kW@5000. On fuel, the M5 returns 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 when discharged / 3.0 combined l/100km while the S-CLASS uses 14.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 782 000 for the M5 and R6 865 600 for the S-CLASS. 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
535 kW
380kW@5000
Torque
1000 Nm
830Nm@1800
0-100 kph
3.5 s
—
Top Speed
305 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
5513
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
8
12
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 w
14.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
21.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.9
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.6 kWh l
90
CO2 Emissions
39 when hybrid battery charged / 68 comb
332
Dimensions
Length
5096 mm
5226
Width
1970-2156 mm
1871-2120
Height
1510 mm
1479
Wheelbase
3006 mm
3165
Ground Clearance
115 mm
150
Kerb Weight
2435 DIN / 2510 EU Kg
3680
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
466 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2035
Load Capacity
505 l
550
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
SPEEDTRONIC
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batter
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
M5
Value
M5
Practicality
S-CLASS
Pros & Cons
BMW M5
Better fuel economy (1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 when discharged / 3.0 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 782 000)
Few notable weaknesses
MERCEDES S-CLASS
Higher towing capacity (2035)
Higher fuel consumption (14.2)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M5 or S-CLASS?
The M5 uses 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 when discharged / 3.0 combined l/100km and the S-CLASS uses 14.2 on the combined cycle. The M5 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 M5 or S-CLASS?
The M5 produces 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque while the S-CLASS delivers 380kW@5000 and 830Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the M5 and S-CLASS?
The M5 starts from R2 782 000 and the S-CLASS from R6 865 600. The M5 is cheaper by R4 083 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M5 or S-CLASS?
The M5 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the S-CLASS can tow 2035. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M5 or the S-CLASS?
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.