VS
At a Glance
Power
432 kW
368 kW
Torque
1164 Nm
660 Nm
Fuel
27.7-30.3 kWh/100km l/100km
12.3 l/100km
Towing
—
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
4.4 s
Engine
electric cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class delivers 432 kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 368 kW. On fuel, the G-Class returns 27.7-30.3 kWh/100km l/100km while the Cayenne uses 12.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 827 400 for the G-Class and R2 672 000 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
432 kW
368 kW
Torque
1164 Nm
660 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
4.4 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
275 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
—
8
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
27.7-30.3 kWh/100km l/100km
12.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
116 kWh l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
—
280 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4624 mm
4930 mm
Width
1913-2187 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1986 mm
1674 mm
Wheelbase
2890 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
250 mm
189-234 mm
Kerb Weight
3010 DIN / 3085 EU Kg
2190 DIN / 2265 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1990 l
656-772-1708 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
415 l
700 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
8 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 160000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Cayenne
2 / 4 categories
Performance
G-Class
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Cayenne
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
More powerful engine (432 kW)
Higher starting price
Porsche Cayenne
Lower starting price (R2 672 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.4 ss)
Less power than rival (368 kW vs 432 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the G-Class or Cayenne?
The G-Class uses 27.7-30.3 kWh/100km l/100km and the Cayenne uses 12.3 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 432 kW and 1164 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 368 kW and 660 Nm of torque. The G-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the G-Class and Cayenne?
The G-Class starts from R3 827 400 and the Cayenne from R2 672 000. The Cayenne is cheaper by R1 155 400 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 not specified and the Cayenne can tow 3500 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.