VS
At a Glance
Power
240 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
477 Nm
320Nm@2000
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 wh
7.4
Towing
—
1350
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
—
Engine
1499 cc
1995
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 240 kW while the NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012 produces 110kW@4000. On fuel, the X1 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 when discharged l/100km while the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 7.4 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 055 000 for the X1 and R481 900 for the X-TRAIL 2012. 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
240 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
477 Nm
320Nm@2000
0-100 kph
5.6 s
—
Top Speed
205 Km/h
178
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 wh
7.4
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
65
CO2 Emissions
24 when hybrid battery charged g/km
198
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4635
Width
1845-2104 mm
-1790
Height
1642 mm
1785
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
205 mm
203
Kerb Weight
1860 DIN / 1935 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
490-1495 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1350
Load Capacity
575 l
1773
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ 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
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batter
100000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
X-TRAIL 2012
Practicality
X-TRAIL 2012
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 when discharged l/100km)
Higher starting price
NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012
Lower starting price (R481 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 6.8 when discharged l/100km and the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 7.4 on the combined cycle. The X1 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 X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 produces 240 kW and 477 Nm of torque while the X-TRAIL 2012 delivers 110kW@4000 and 320Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X1 and X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 starts from R1 055 000 and the X-TRAIL 2012 from R481 900. The X-TRAIL 2012 is cheaper by R573 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or X-TRAIL 2012?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the X-TRAIL 2012 can tow 1350. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the X-TRAIL 2012?
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.