VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
179 kW
Torque
400 Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
7.7 s
Engine
1998 cc
2494 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 233 kW while the Lexus NX produces 179 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 7.8 l/100km while the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 196 100 for the X1 and R1 063 600 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
233 kW
179 kW
Torque
400 Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
7.7 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
114 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4505 mm
4660 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1865 mm
Height
1642 mm
1660 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
—
185 mm
Kerb Weight
1665 DIN / 1740 EU Kg
1790-1870 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
540-1600 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Load Capacity
575 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus NX
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
NX
Practicality
NX
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Lexus NX
Better fuel economy (5.0 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 063 600)
Less power than rival (179 kW vs 233 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or NX?
The X1 uses 7.8 l/100km and the NX uses 5.0 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 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the NX delivers 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The X1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and NX?
The X1 starts from R1 196 100 and the NX from R1 063 600. The NX is cheaper by R132 500 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 not specified 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.