VS
At a Glance
Power
146 kW
233 kW
Torque
340 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
4.9 s
Engine
1984 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the BMW 1 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A5 delivers 146 kW while the BMW 1 Series produces 233 kW. On fuel, the A5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 166 800 for the A5 and R988 768 for the 1 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A5TFSI Black Edition (146kw) 2025 - From R1 166 800
BMW 1 SeriesM135 Xdrive A/T (f70) 2024 - From R988 768
Performance
Power Output
146 kW
233 kW
Torque
340 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
248 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
49 l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4829 mm
4361 mm
Width
1860-2099 mm
1800-2072 mm
Height
1444 mm
1459 mm
Wheelbase
2892 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
—
156 mm
Kerb Weight
1653 Kg
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
445-1299 l
380-1200 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
750 Kg
Load Capacity
642 lkg
550 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
A5
Value
1 Series
Practicality
A5
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Less power than rival (146 kW vs 233 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW 1 Series
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Lower starting price (R988 768)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or 1 Series?
The A5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or 1 Series?
The A5 produces 146 kW and 340 Nm of torque while the 1 Series delivers 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The 1 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and 1 Series?
The A5 starts from R1 166 800 and the 1 Series from R988 768. The 1 Series is cheaper by R178 032 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A5 or 1 Series?
The A5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the 1 Series can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A5 or the 1 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider