BMW X1 vs Denza B8

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Denza B8 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 86% for the Denza B8, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Denza B8, against 5 on the BMW X1.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Denza B8 gets a 17.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Denza B8. The Denza B8 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, V2L, Devialet audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Denza B8 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X1 and 3-zone in the Denza B8.

Drivetrain

The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Denza B8 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 425kW and 760Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Denza B8 is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 695mm shorter than the Denza B8 at 5,195mm (2,920mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 147L in the Denza B8, giving the BMW X1 a 393L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 1,800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BMW X1's turning circle is 0.7 m tighter, 11.3 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Denza B8 about $2,822 a year (9.9 L/100km as a hybrid), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 6 years / 150k km (Denza B8).

Where each one leads

The BMW X1: the lower starting price ($61,800 against $91,000) and the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 147L).

The Denza B8: more power (425kW against 115kW), the longer warranty (6 years against 5) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,700kg).

The Verdict

BMW X1 scores higher, 75 vs 69

The BMW X1 scores 75 to the Denza B8's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 7 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Denza B8 ahead by 46 points), value (BMW X1 ahead by 13 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 147L in the Denza B8. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW X1, 6 on the Denza B8.

Common questions