VS
At a Glance
Power
350kW@6100
544 kW
Torque
700Nm@2650
950 Nm
Fuel
—
2.5 l/100km
Towing
3360
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
3.7 s
Engine
5439
3996 cc
Choosing between the MERCEDES G-CLASS and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MERCEDES G-CLASS delivers 350kW@6100 while the Porsche Cayenne produces 544 kW. On fuel, the G-CLASS returns 0 while the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 300 000 for the G-CLASS and R3 851 000 for the Cayenne. 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
350kW@6100
544 kW
Torque
700Nm@2650
950 Nm
0-100 kph
—
3.7 s
Top Speed
—
295 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5439
3996 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
5
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
2.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
96
70 l
CO2 Emissions
—
57 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4680
4930 mm
Width
1864
1983-2194 mm
Height
1931
1664 mm
Wheelbase
2850
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
198-243 mm
Kerb Weight
2550
2595 DIN / 2670 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4 (opt 5)
Load Volume
—
404-434-1344 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3360
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
2250
600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8 (opt 10)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
FRONT + REAR
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited vehicle / 160000 hybrid batter
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Cayenne
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cayenne
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
G-CLASS
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
MERCEDES G-CLASS
Lower starting price (R2 300 000)
Higher towing capacity (3360)
Few notable weaknesses
Porsche Cayenne
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (2.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the G-CLASS or Cayenne?
The G-CLASS uses 0 and the Cayenne uses 2.5 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 G-CLASS or Cayenne?
The G-CLASS produces 350kW@6100 and 700Nm@2650 of torque while the Cayenne delivers 544 kW and 950 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the G-CLASS and Cayenne?
The G-CLASS starts from R2 300 000 and the Cayenne from R3 851 000. The G-CLASS is cheaper by R1 551 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the G-CLASS or Cayenne?
The G-CLASS has a braked towing capacity of 3360 and the Cayenne can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the G-CLASS or the Cayenne?
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.