VS
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
255 kW
Torque
494 Nm
648 combined Nm
Fuel
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
8.5 l/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
8.3 s
Engine
electric cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the BMW iX1 and the GWM Tank 500 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX1 delivers 225 kW while the GWM Tank 500 produces 255 kW. On fuel, the iX1 returns 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km while the Tank 500 uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 210 000 for the iX1 and R1 228 950 for the Tank 500. 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
255 kW
Torque
494 Nm
648 combined Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
8.3 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
66.45 kWh l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
—
199 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
5078 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1934- mm
Height
1616 mm
1905 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
224 mm
Kerb Weight
2010 DIN / 2085 EU Kg
2605 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
490-1495 l
98 / 795 / 1459 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
570 l
600 l
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
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
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
200000 vehicle / 150000 hybrid battery +
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
7
Service Plan Distance
—
75000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GWM Tank 500
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tank 500
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
iX1
Practicality
Tank 500
Pros & Cons
BMW iX1
Lower starting price (R1 210 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Less power than rival (225 kW vs 255 kW)
No factory service plan
GWM Tank 500
More powerful engine (255 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX1 or Tank 500?
The iX1 uses 16.8-18.1 kWh/100 km l/100km and the Tank 500 uses 8.5 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 Tank 500?
The iX1 produces 225 kW and 494 Nm of torque while the Tank 500 delivers 255 kW and 648 combined Nm of torque. The Tank 500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX1 and Tank 500?
The iX1 starts from R1 210 000 and the Tank 500 from R1 228 950. The iX1 is cheaper by R18 950 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX1 or Tank 500?
The iX1 has a braked towing capacity of 1200 Kg and the Tank 500 can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the iX1 or the Tank 500?
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.