VS
◆
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
145kW@3800
Torque
494 Nm
436Nm@1800
Fuel
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
8.3
Towing
1200 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
10
Engine
electric cc
2199
Choosing between the BMW iX1 and the HYUNDAI SANTA FE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX1 delivers 225 kW while the HYUNDAI SANTA FE produces 145kW@3800. On fuel, the iX1 returns 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km while the SANTA FE uses 8.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 255 000 for the iX1 and R524 900 for the SANTA FE. 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
225 kW
145kW@3800
Torque
494 Nm
436Nm@1800
0-100 kph
5.6 s
10
Top Speed
180 Km/h
190
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2199
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
8.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
66.45 kWh l
64
CO2 Emissions
—
194
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4690
Width
1845-2104 mm
-1880
Height
1616 mm
1690
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
170 mm
185
Kerb Weight
2010 DIN / 2085 EU Kg
1822
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
490-1495 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
570 l
2008
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
60
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
150000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
SANTA FE
Practicality
SANTA FE
Pros & Cons
BMW iX1
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Lower starting price (R524 900)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX1 or SANTA FE?
The iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km and the SANTA FE uses 8.3 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 iX1 or SANTA FE?
The iX1 produces 225 kW and 494 Nm of torque while the SANTA FE delivers 145kW@3800 and 436Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the iX1 and SANTA FE?
The iX1 starts from R1 255 000 and the SANTA FE from R524 900. The SANTA FE is cheaper by R730 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX1 or SANTA FE?
The iX1 has a braked towing capacity of 1200 Kg and the SANTA FE can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the iX1 or the SANTA FE?
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.