VS
At a Glance
Power
240 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
477 Nm
680Nm@1500
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 whL/100km
13.9L/100km
Towing
—
3000kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 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 240 kW while the BMW X5 produces 408kW@6000. On fuel, the X1 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 whL/100km while the X5 uses 13.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 055 000 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 X1Xdrive30e X-LINE (phev) 2023 - From R1 055 000
BMW X5M Steptronic 2009 - From R1 398 033
Performance
Power Output
240 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
477 Nm
680Nm@1500
0-100 kph
5.6 s
4.7s
Top Speed
205 Km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
4395cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
3
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 whL/100km
13.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
85L
CO2 Emissions
24 when hybrid battery charged 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
1860 DIN / 1935 EU Kg
2380kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
490-1495 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
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
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batterkm
-
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 (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 whL/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 055 000)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW X5
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 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 whL/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 240 kW and 477 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 R1 055 000 and the X5 from R1 398 033. The X1 is cheaper by R343 033 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 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.