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.
BMW 5 Series vs Volkswagen Caddy: the short answer
5 Series and Caddy are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Caddy starts ZAR 704,800 cheaper5 Series from ZAR 1,278,000 · Caddy from ZAR 573,200
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
5 Series
Caddy
Maximum Power
5 Series145 kW
Caddy81 kW
Maximum Torque
5 Series400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Caddy300 Nm
Engine Size
5 Series1995 cc
Caddy1968 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
5 Series16.5 km/l
Caddy18.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
5 Series140 mm
Caddy144 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
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Performance
Caddy
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
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
Caddy
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
Caddy
Model Introduced Year
2023
2021
Generation
G60 executive four-door saloon with combustion powertrains alongside the separately listed electric i5.
SA5 fifth generation on MQB platform – major improvement over previous generation
Facelift History
Current G60-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan in South African specification; no separate local body derivative is merged into this model.
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2021 – completely new platform and design
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Van
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Premium Sedan
Van
Vehicle Type
Car
Van
Color Note
-
White, Silver, Black
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1707 kg
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Length
5060 mm
4853 mm
Width
1900 mm
1855 mm
Height
1515 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2970 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
144 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
520 l
446 l
Kerb Weight
1850 kg
1707 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2405 kg
2250 kg
Payload Capacity
630 kg
543 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
12.1 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
-
Rear Headroom
941 mm
-
Front Legroom
1031 mm
-
Rear Legroom
886 mm
-
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Engine
BMW 48V mild-hybrid turbocharged engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
B47
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1995 cc
1968 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
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
81 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
300 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
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
233 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
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
47.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
175.7 Nm/tonne
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
Caddy
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
4x2
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Manual
Drivetrain
RWD
4x2
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
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Claimed Mileage
16.5 km/l
18.2 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
14.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.5 km/l
21.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
1 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.5 km/l
18.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
60
50 l
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
360 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
Not Applicable
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Airbags
6
Front airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
Front
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Steering wheel M Leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Car-like cabin with 8-inch infotainment display, air conditioning, modern switchgear
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1720 l
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1720 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
caddy
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
top
Variant Role
-
Entry or fleet-access derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Infotainment System
Yes
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
14.9
Not Available
Touchscreen
14.9
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
3
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Body Type
-
Van
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
144 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
144 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Emergency spare wheel
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Light alloy wheels double-spoke Black Grey with emergency running properti
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1571 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1563 mm
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Not Available
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
South Africa market model
Price Zar
1278000 ZAR
722650 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
1278000
722650
Starting Price Zar
1278000
722650
Spec
5 Series
Caddy
Warranty
Yes
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
Yes
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 5 Series and Caddy 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 Caddy 44.
Efficiency index: 5 Series 68 vs Caddy 72.
Safety-equipment index: 5 Series 92 vs Caddy 88.
Practicality index: 5 Series 66 vs Caddy 66.
Ownership-cover index: 5 Series not separately scored vs Caddy 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 Caddy 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 7 points
5 Series and Caddy are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
5 Series +26
Efficiency
Caddy +4
Safety
5 Series +4
Practicality
Level
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
5 Series
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
66/100
Caddy
Performance
44/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
66/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 5 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 74 pts
vs 67 pts for Caddy
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 5 Series leads. However, Caddy 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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