VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
400 Nm
320Nm@2000
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.4
Towing
—
1350
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1995
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 233 kW while the NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012 produces 110kW@4000. On fuel, the X1 returns 7.8 l/100km while the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 7.4 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 196 100 for the X1 and R430 700 for the X-TRAIL 2012. 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
233 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
400 Nm
320Nm@2000
0-100 kph
5.4 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
178
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.4
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
65
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
198
Dimensions
Length
4505 mm
4635
Width
1845-2104 mm
-1790
Height
1642 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
—
203
Kerb Weight
1665 DIN / 1740 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
540-1600 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1350
Load Capacity
575 l
1773
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
X-TRAIL 2012
Value
X-TRAIL 2012
Practicality
X-TRAIL 2012
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012
Better fuel economy (7.4)
Lower starting price (R430 700)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 uses 7.8 l/100km and the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 7.4 on the combined cycle. The X-TRAIL 2012 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the X-TRAIL 2012 delivers 110kW@4000 and 320Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X1 and X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 starts from R1 196 100 and the X-TRAIL 2012 from R430 700. The X-TRAIL 2012 is cheaper by R765 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the X-TRAIL 2012 can tow 1350. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the X-TRAIL 2012?
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.