VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
359 kW
Torque
400 Nm
675 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
4.9 s
Engine
1998 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the BYD Atto 8 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X1 delivers 233 kW while the BYD Atto 8 produces 359 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 196 100 for the X1 and R1 259 900 for the Atto 8. 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
BYD Atto 8Performance AWD 2026 - From R1 259 900
Performance
Power Output
233 kW
359 kW
Torque
400 Nm
675 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
60 litre + 35.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
42 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
4505 mm
5040 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1996 mm
Height
1642 mm
1760 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2950 mm
Ground Clearance
—
184 mm
Kerb Weight
1665 DIN / 1740 EU Kg
2580 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
540-1600 l
270 / 960 / 1960 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
575 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 8
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
X1
Practicality
Atto 8
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Lower starting price (R1 196 100)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (233 kW vs 359 kW)
BYD Atto 8
More powerful engine (359 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or Atto 8?
The X1 uses 7.8 l/100km and the Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 coL/100km on the combined cycle. The Atto 8 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 Atto 8?
The X1 produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Atto 8 delivers 359 kW and 675 Nm of torque. The Atto 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and Atto 8?
The X1 starts from R1 196 100 and the Atto 8 from R1 259 900. The X1 is cheaper by R63 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the X1 or the Atto 8?
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.