VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
225 kW
Torque
400 Nm
494 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
5.6 s
Engine
1968 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the BMW iX1 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q5 delivers 140 kW while the BMW iX1 produces 225 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6.2 l/100km while the iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 273 300 for the Q5 and R1 255 000 for the iX1. 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
140 kW
225 kW
Torque
400 Nm
494 Nm
0-100 kph
8.1 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
66.45 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
4500 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1845-2104 mm
Height
1660 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
—
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 Kg
2010 DIN / 2085 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
510-1480 l
490-1495 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
1200 Kg
Load Capacity
—
570 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW iX1
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
iX1
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 225 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW iX1
More powerful engine (225 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 255 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or iX1?
The Q5 uses 6.2 l/100km and the iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or iX1?
The Q5 produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the iX1 delivers 225 kW and 494 Nm of torque. The iX1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and iX1?
The Q5 starts from R1 273 300 and the iX1 from R1 255 000. The iX1 is cheaper by R18 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or iX1?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the iX1 can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the iX1?
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.