VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
210 kW
Torque
400 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
—
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
6.1 s
Engine
1998 cc
2993 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X1 delivers 233 kW while the BMW X5 produces 210 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 7.8 l/100km while the X5 uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 196 100 for the X1 and R1 814 637 for the X5. 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
BMW X1M35i Xdrive(u11) 2024 - From R1 196 100
BMW X5Xdrive 30d Xline (g05) 2023 - From R1 814 637
Performance
Power Output
233 kW
210 kW
Torque
400 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
6.1 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
233 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4505 mm
4935 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
2004-2218 mm
Height
1642 mm
1765 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2975 mm
Ground Clearance
—
214 mm
Kerb Weight
1665 DIN / 1740 EU Kg
2220 DIN / 2295 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5 (opt 7)
Load Volume
540-1600 l
650-1870 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
575 lkg
730 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X1
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
X1
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 196 100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW X5
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (210 kW vs 233 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or X5?
The X1 uses 7.8 l/100km and the X5 uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 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 X1 or X5?
The X1 produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the X5 delivers 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The X1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and X5?
The X1 starts from R1 196 100 and the X5 from R1 814 637. The X1 is cheaper by R618 537 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or X5?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the X5 can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the X5?
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.