VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@5000
408kW@6000
Torque
350Nm@1250
680Nm@1500
Fuel
7L/100km
13.9L/100km
Towing
2000kg
3000kg
0-100 km/h
7s
4.7s
Engine
1997cc
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 180kW@5000 while the BMW X5 produces 408kW@6000. On fuel, the X1 returns 7L/100km while the X5 uses 13.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R533 425 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.
Specification
BMW X1Xdrive28i M Sport Steptronic 2012 - From R533 425
BMW X5M Steptronic 2009 - From R1 398 033
Performance
Power Output
180kW@5000
408kW@6000
Torque
350Nm@1250
680Nm@1500
0-100 kph
7s
4.7s
Top Speed
240km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997cc
4395cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7L/100km
13.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9L/100km
20.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
6L/100km
11L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
63L
85L
CO2 Emissions
183g/km
325g/km
Dimensions
Length
4477mm
4851mm
Width
1798mm
1933-2197mm
Height
1545mm
1764mm
Wheelbase
2760mm
2933mm
Ground Clearance
179mm
212mm
Kerb Weight
1670kg
2380kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
3000kg
Load Capacity
1350kg
1750kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
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
✓ Standard
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
Optional
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
24
Warranty Distance
-
-
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
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 (7L/100km)
Lower starting price (R533 425)
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 7L/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 180kW@5000 and 350Nm@1250 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 R533 425 and the X5 from R1 398 033. The X1 is cheaper by R864 608 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 2000kg 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.