VS
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
175 kW
Torque
494 Nm
367 Nm
Fuel
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
1650 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
9.5 s
Engine
electric cc
1598 cc
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 175 kW. On fuel, the iX1 returns 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km while the Santa Fe uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 255 000 for the iX1 and R1 249 900 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
175 kW
Torque
494 Nm
367 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
9.5 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
66.45 kWh l
67 l
CO2 Emissions
—
166 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4830 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1900 mm
Height
1616 mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
177 mm
Kerb Weight
2010 DIN / 2085 EU Kg
1980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
490-1495 l
413-1148-2253 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
1650 Kg
Load Capacity
570 l
695 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ 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 vehicle / 8 battery
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain / 8 year hybrid
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain / 160
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
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
More powerful engine (225 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lower starting price (R1 249 900)
Higher towing capacity (1650 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (175 kW vs 225 kW)
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 7.5 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 iX1 or Santa Fe?
The iX1 produces 225 kW and 494 Nm of torque while the Santa Fe delivers 175 kW and 367 Nm of torque. The iX1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX1 and Santa Fe?
The iX1 starts from R1 255 000 and the Santa Fe from R1 249 900. The Santa Fe is cheaper by R5 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 1650 Kg. 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.