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.
Foton Asambe Taxi vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: the short answer
Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.
Asambe Taxi starts ZAR 882,950 cheaperAsambe Taxi from ZAR 439,900 · E-Class from ZAR 1,322,850
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Maximum Power
Asambe Taxi100 kW
E-Class150 kW
Maximum Torque
Asambe Taxi200 Nm
E-Class320 Nm
Engine Size
Asambe Taxi2400 cc
E-Class1999 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Asambe TaxiNot Officially Disclosed
E-Class14.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Asambe TaxiNot Officially Disclosed
E-Class130 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.
Foton Asambe Taxi
2.4i Petrol (16 Seater)
Hagalu editorial rating
3.9/5★★★★★★★★★★
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.
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Model Introduced Year
2024
2026
Generation
High-roof, long-wheelbase 16-seat View-based minibus measuring 5,390 mm long.
Current South African E-Class generation represented by derivative E 200
Facelift History
Current South African Asambe Taxi range, with no separate facelift identified.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Not Applicable
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Not Applicable
Current
Body Style
Minibus
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
16-seat taxi
Premium sedan
Vehicle Type
Passenger commercial vehicle
Sedan
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Length
5390 mm
4949 mm
Width
1920 mm
1880 mm
Height
2285 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
3110 mm
2961 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
Not Officially Disclosed
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
66 l
Boot/Cargo Space
Not Officially Disclosed
540 l
Kerb Weight
Not Officially Disclosed
1900 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Not Officially Disclosed
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
630 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
16 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
5 rows
2 rows
Doors
Not Officially Disclosed
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
5.8 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
960 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
960 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
900 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
900 mm
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Engine
2.4-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1999/L4
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M254
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2400 cc
1999 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
100 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
200 Nm
320 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
320 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
RWD
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
240 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Not Applicable
No
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
RWD
LSD Available
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Transfer Case
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
5
9
Transmission Type
Manual
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
Not Officially Disclosed
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Officially Disclosed
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Officially Disclosed
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Officially Disclosed
0
4WD Selector
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Gearbox Type
Manual
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
0
Low Range
Not Officially Disclosed
0
Axle Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Transmission Speeds
5
9
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Claimed Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
14.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
14.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
14.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Real-world Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
14.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Officially Disclosed
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Officially Disclosed
0
Electric Consumption
Not Officially Disclosed
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Officially Disclosed
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Officially Disclosed
0 km
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Traction Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Officially Disclosed
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Officially Disclosed
Front and rear
AEB
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Stability Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
TCS
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Officially Disclosed
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Officially Disclosed
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Officially Disclosed
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Park Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Seat Material
Fabric
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Not Officially Disclosed
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Officially Disclosed
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Not Officially Disclosed
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Fabric
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Climate Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Officially Disclosed
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Sunroof
Not Officially Disclosed
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Officially Disclosed
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic climate control
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Infotainment System
Not Officially Disclosed
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not Officially Disclosed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Officially Disclosed
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Number of Speakers
2
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
3.5-inch colour instrument cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
1 driver USB port
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
Not Officially Disclosed
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
Not Officially Disclosed
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
LED Headlamps
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Officially Disclosed
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Exterior Colour Options
Not Officially Disclosed
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Officially Disclosed
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Officially Disclosed
No
4WD System Type
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Tyre Size
195R15C
245/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel spare wheel
19-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
15-inch wheels
19
Handbrake Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Front Suspension
Not Officially Disclosed
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Officially Disclosed
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
CO2 Emissions
Not Officially Disclosed
159 g/km
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Service Plan
Service plans available
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Ownership Role
Current South African derivative
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
439900 ZAR
1322850 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
439900
1600000
Starting Price Zar
439900
1600000
Spec
Asambe Taxi
E-Class
Warranty
2 years / 200,000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Asambe Taxi and E-Class comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.
Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.
Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.
Model imagery
Asambe Taxi and E-Class image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.
Fail closed
Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.
Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.
What the evidence means
No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.
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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