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 123 000 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 S LINE (146kw) 2025 - From R1 123 000
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 123 000 and the 1 Series from R988 768. The 1 Series is cheaper by R134 232 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