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.
Jaecoo J5 vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: the short answer
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a modest catalogue-index lead, while J5 remains close.
J5 starts ZAR 3,833,902 cheaperJ5 from ZAR 339,900 · Mercedes-Maybach S-Class from ZAR 4,173,802
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Maximum Power
J5115 kW @ 5500 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class370 kW
Maximum Torque
J5230 Nm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class700 Nm
Engine Size
J51500 cc
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
J513.3 km/l
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class10.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
J5174 mm
Mercedes-Maybach S-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.
Jaecoo J5
Core
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
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)
J5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
J5
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current South Africa J5 range
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach S-Class generation represented by derivative S 580
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
SUV
Premium sedan
Tare Mass Kg
Not Available
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Sedan
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Length
4380 mm
5469 mm
Width
1860 mm
1921 mm
Height
1650 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
2620 mm
3396 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
174 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
76 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
505 l
Kerb Weight
1435 kg
2360 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1852 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
440 kg
530 kg
Towing Capacity
1175 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
6.45 m
Front Headroom
1005 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
975 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1045 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Front Track Width
Not Available
-
Rear Track Width
Not Available
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Manual / automatic by trim
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
1284 l
-
AC Type
Manual / automatic by trim
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
3982/V8
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M177
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1500 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
4
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Petrol injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
8.6:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 5500 rpm
370 kW
Maximum Torque
230 Nm
700 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
370 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
700 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
FWD
RWD
Transmission
CVT
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 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
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Gearbox
CVT
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
RWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
CVT
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Automatic clutch
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Electric
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
CVT
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
FWD
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
CVT
9
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Claimed Mileage
13.3 km/l
10.0 km/l
City Mileage
10.7 km/l
10.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.7 km/l
10.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Yes
Real-world Mileage
13.3 km/l
10.0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Airbags
Multiple airbags
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Seat Material
Fabric or cloth trim
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
Polyurethane / synthetic
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Fabric
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4-6
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
LED Headlamps
Not Available
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Standard
No
Exterior Colour Options
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Not Available
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
174 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
174 mm
-
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Tyre Size
18-inch alloy
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
21
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
CO2 Emissions
172.4 g/km
251 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Service Plan
5 Year / 75 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Ownership Role
entry-value
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
339900 ZAR
4173802 ZAR
Pricing Role
entry-value
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
339900
5000000
Starting Price Zar
339900
5000000
Spec
J5
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Warranty
5 Year / 150 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This J5 and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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: J5 49 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 97.
Efficiency index: J5 52 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 45.
Safety-equipment index: J5 91 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 95.
Practicality index: J5 60 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 63.
Ownership-cover index: J5 not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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
J5 and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class leads by 14 points
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a modest catalogue-index lead, while J5 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
63/100
J5
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
60/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 63 pts for J5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class leads. However, J5 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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