VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
225 kW
Torque
580Nm@1750
494 Nm
Fuel
6
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
Towing
2400
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
7
5.6 s
Engine
2967
electric cc
Choosing between the AUDI Q5 and the BMW iX1 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI Q5 delivers 180kW@4000 while the BMW iX1 produces 225 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6 while the iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R657 000 for the Q5 and R1 255 000 for the iX1. 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.
Performance
Power Output
180kW@4000
225 kW
Torque
580Nm@1750
494 Nm
0-100 kph
7
5.6 s
Top Speed
225
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967
electric cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
DIESEL
electric
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
66.45 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
169
—
Dimensions
Length
4629
4500 mm
Width
-1898
1845-2104 mm
Height
1655
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2807
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
200
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1860
2010 DIN / 2085 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
490-1495 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400
1200 Kg
Load Capacity
1560
570 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
AUDI Q5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Q5
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
AUDI Q5
Lower starting price (R657 000)
Higher towing capacity (2400)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW iX1
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or iX1?
The Q5 uses 6 and the iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or iX1?
The Q5 produces 180kW@4000 and 580Nm@1750 of torque while the iX1 delivers 225 kW and 494 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and iX1?
The Q5 starts from R657 000 and the iX1 from R1 255 000. The Q5 is cheaper by R598 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or iX1?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 and the iX1 can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the iX1?
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.