A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
5 Series has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Alsvin.
Alsvin starts ZAR 1,028,100 cheaper5 Series from ZAR 1,278,000 · Alsvin from ZAR 249,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
5 Series
Alsvin
Maximum Power
5 Series145 kW
Alsvin78 kW
Maximum Torque
5 Series400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Alsvin145 Nm
Engine Size
5 Series1995 cc
Alsvin1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
5 Series16.5 km/l
Alsvin14.49 km/l
Ground Clearance
5 Series140 mm
Alsvin150 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 5 Series
520d Sedan M Sport
Hagalu editorial rating
4.0/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
5 Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Alsvin
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
5 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Alsvin
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Model Introduced Year
2023
2025
Generation
G60 executive four-door saloon with combustion powertrains alongside the separately listed electric i5.
Current South African Alsvin generation launched with two locally named derivatives in 2025.
Facelift History
Current G60-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan in South African specification; no separate local body derivative is merged into this model.
No South African facelift has been announced since the current range entered local retail sale.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not Applicable
Body Style
Sedan
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Sedan
Compact sedan
Vehicle Type
Car
Passenger car
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Length
5060 mm
4390 mm
Width
1900 mm
1725 mm
Height
1515 mm
1490 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2535 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
150 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
520 l
390 l
Kerb Weight
1850 kg
1069 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2405 kg
1470 kg
Payload Capacity
630 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
705 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.5 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
941 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1031 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
886 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Engine
BMW 48V mild-hybrid turbocharged engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
B47
JL473QF
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1995 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
145 kW
78 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
145 Nm
Combined Power
1 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
1 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated transmission electric motor
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
5-Speed DCT
Top Speed
233 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
400 V
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
5-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
Not Officially Disclosed
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
8
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
DCT
Clutch Type
Yes
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
8
5
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Claimed Mileage
16.5 km/l
14.49 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
18.5 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
1 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Real-world Mileage
16.5 km/l
14.49 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
60
45
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
360 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Traction Control
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front seats
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
BA
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front seats
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Stability Control
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
TCS
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Cruise Control
Yes
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear (3 sensors)
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Park Assist
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
Leather and cloth
Heated Seats
Front
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Steering Wheel Material
Steering wheel M Leather
Foam with leather trim
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
4-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Yes
Leather and cloth
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Not Officially Disclosed
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Sunroof
Panoramic
Electric sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Manual air conditioning
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Infotainment System
Yes
7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Android Auto
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
Not Officially Disclosed
USB Ports
2
1 front USB port
Infotainment Screen
14.9
7-inch LCD touchscreen
Touchscreen
14.9
7-inch LCD touchscreen
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Not Officially Disclosed
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
185/55 R15
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Emergency spare wheel
Not Officially Disclosed
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Light alloy wheels double-spoke Black Grey with emergency running properti
15-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Mechanical parking brake
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Torsion beam
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
163 g/km
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 years / 75,000 km (standard on CE; optional on CS)
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Current South African derivative
Price Zar
1278000 ZAR
289900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
1278000
289900
Starting Price Zar
1278000
289900
Spec
5 Series
Alsvin
Warranty
Yes
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 5 Series and Alsvin comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 5 Series 70 vs Alsvin 35.
Efficiency index: 5 Series 68 vs Alsvin 56.
Safety-equipment index: 5 Series 92 vs Alsvin 32.
Practicality index: 5 Series 66 vs Alsvin 54.
Ownership-cover index: 5 Series not separately scored vs Alsvin not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
5 Series and Alsvin image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
5 Series leads by 31 points
5 Series has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Alsvin.
Performance
5 Series +35
Efficiency
5 Series +12
Safety
5 Series +60
Practicality
5 Series +12
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
5 Series
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
66/100
Alsvin
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
32/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 5 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 74 pts
vs 43 pts for Alsvin
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 5 Series leads. However, Alsvin may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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