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 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over BOX.
BOX starts ZAR 878,100 cheaper5 Series from ZAR 1,278,000 · BOX from ZAR 399,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
5 Series
BOX
Maximum Power
5 Series145 kW
BOX70 kW
Maximum Torque
5 Series400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
BOX160 Nm
Engine Size
5 Series1995 cc
BOXNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
5 Series16.5 km/l
BOX0 km/l
Ground Clearance
5 Series140 mm
BOX0 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
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
BOX
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
5 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
BOX
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Model Introduced Year
2023
2026
Generation
G60 executive four-door saloon with combustion powertrains alongside the separately listed electric i5.
Current South African generation
Facelift History
Current G60-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan in South African specification; no separate local body derivative is merged into this model.
Current launch specification
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Premium Sedan
Electric city hatchback
Vehicle Type
Car
Hatchback
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Length
5060 mm
4020 mm
Width
1900 mm
1810 mm
Height
1515 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2663 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
0 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
140 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
520 l
326 l
Kerb Weight
1850 kg
1370 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2405 kg
1820 kg
Payload Capacity
630 kg
450 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
750 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.8 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
941 mm
950 mm
Front Legroom
1031 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
886 mm
900 mm
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Engine
BMW 48V mild-hybrid turbocharged engine
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Engine Code
B47
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Electric
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1995 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
145 kW
70 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
160 Nm
Combined Power
1 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
1 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Integrated transmission electric motor
Front
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
233 km/h
140 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.3 sec
10.6 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Yes
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
42.3 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
40.2 kWh
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Battery Voltage
400 V
400 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
430 km
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
60 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Yes
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Electronic shift-by-wire
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
Front driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
8
1
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Claimed Mileage
16.5 km/l
0 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
0 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.5 km/l
0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Zero tailpipe emissions
AdBlue Tank Capacity
1 l
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.5 km/l
0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 / Type 2
Charging Type
Not Applicable
DC fast charging | AC charging
Fuel Tank Litres
60
0
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
430
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
9.8
Range Real World Highway
360 km
322 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
366 km
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
No
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Cruise Control
Yes
Cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Park Assist
Standard
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
No
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
No
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Front
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Steering wheel M Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
Electric adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment
Seat Trim
Yes
Synthetic leather
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
No
Electric Tailgate
Standard
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Automatic climate control
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Infotainment System
Yes
Touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
2
USB-A | USB-C
Infotainment Screen
14.9
12.8
Touchscreen
14.9
12.8
Spec
5 Series
BOX
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Multiple Dongfeng factory exterior colours
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
No
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
215/55 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Emergency spare wheel
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Light alloy wheels double-spoke Black Grey with emergency running properti
17
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Torsion beam
Spec
5 Series
BOX
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 90000 km
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Dongfeng South Africa ownership programme
Price Zar
1278000 ZAR
449900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
South African retail / indicative price reference
Starting Price
1278000
449900
Starting Price Zar
1278000
449900
Spec
5 Series
BOX
Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 150000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 5 Series and BOX 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 BOX 36.
Efficiency index: 5 Series 68 vs BOX 90.
Safety-equipment index: 5 Series 92 vs BOX 70.
Practicality index: 5 Series 66 vs BOX 47.
Ownership-cover index: 5 Series not separately scored vs BOX 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 BOX 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 16 points
5 Series holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over BOX.
Performance
5 Series +34
Efficiency
BOX +22
Safety
5 Series +22
Practicality
5 Series +19
Moderate 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
BOX
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
70/100
Practicality
47/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 5 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 74 pts
vs 58 pts for BOX
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 5 Series leads. However, BOX 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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