VS
At a Glance
Power
432 kW
544 kW
Torque
1164 Nm
950 Nm
Fuel
27.7-30.3 kWh/100km l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Towing
—
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
3.7 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 544 kW. On fuel, the G-Class returns 27.7-30.3 kWh/100km l/100km while the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 827 400 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
432 kW
544 kW
Torque
1164 Nm
950 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
295 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
—
8
Fuel Type
electric
petrol-electric hybrid
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
2.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
116 kWh l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
—
57 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4624 mm
4930 mm
Width
1913-2187 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1986 mm
1664 mm
Wheelbase
2890 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
250 mm
198-243 mm
Kerb Weight
3010 DIN / 3085 EU Kg
2595 DIN / 2670 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4 (opt 5)
Load Volume
620-1990 l
404-434-1344 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
415 l
600 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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 160000 battery Km
unlimited vehicle / 160000 hybrid batter
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
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-Benz G-Class
Lower starting price (R3 827 400)
Less power than rival (432 kW vs 544 kW)
Porsche Cayenne
More powerful engine (544 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher starting price
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 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 432 kW and 1164 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 544 kW and 950 Nm of torque. The Cayenne 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 R3 851 000. The G-Class is cheaper by R23 600 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 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.