VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
230 Nm
680Nm@1500
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
13.9L/100km
Towing
1700 Kg
3000kg
0-100 km/h
9.0 s
4.7s
Engine
1499 cc
4395cc
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 115 kW while the BMW X5 produces 408kW@6000. On fuel, the X1 returns 6.5 l/100km while the X5 uses 13.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R813 899 for the X1 and R1 398 033 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.
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
230 Nm
680Nm@1500
0-100 kph
9.0 s
4.7s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
4395cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
3
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
13.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
85L
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
325g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4851mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1933-2197mm
Height
1642 mm
1764mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2933mm
Ground Clearance
205 mm
212mm
Kerb Weight
1500 DIN / 1575 EU Kg
2380kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
540-1600 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1700 Kg
3000kg
Load Capacity
575 lkg
1750kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
Optional
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
X1
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R813 899)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW X5
Higher towing capacity (3000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or X5?
The X1 uses 6.5 l/100km and the X5 uses 13.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The X1 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 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the X5 delivers 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and X5?
The X1 starts from R813 899 and the X5 from R1 398 033. The X1 is cheaper by R584 134 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 1700 Kg and the X5 can tow 3000kg. 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.