VS
At a Glance
Power
160kW@4000
227 kW
Torque
450Nm@1500
227+e Nm
Fuel
6
1.3 combined l/100km
Towing
2000
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7
6.3 s
Engine
1995
2487 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 160kW@4000 while the Lexus NX produces 227 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 6 while the NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R523 065 for the X1 and R1 414 600 for the NX. 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
160kW@4000
227 kW
Torque
450Nm@1500
227+e Nm
0-100 kph
7
6.3 s
Top Speed
228
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
2487 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6
1.3 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
63
55 l
CO2 Emissions
145
29 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4477
4660 mm
Width
-1798
1865 mm
Height
1545
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2760
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
179
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1670
1990-2070 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
500 Kg
Load Capacity
1350
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ 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
Bluetooth
Optional
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
—
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
X1
Practicality
X1
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Lower starting price (R523 065)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Higher fuel consumption (6)
Lexus NX
Better fuel economy (1.3 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or NX?
The X1 uses 6 and the NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or NX?
The X1 produces 160kW@4000 and 450Nm@1500 of torque while the NX delivers 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X1 and NX?
The X1 starts from R523 065 and the NX from R1 414 600. The X1 is cheaper by R891 535 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or NX?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the NX can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the NX?
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.