BMW X1 vs GWM Tank 500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the BMW X1 & GWM Tank 500
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The BMW X1 starts from $61,800 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $1,810.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,980 and $65,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X1 by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X1 and GWM Tank 500 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 85% for the GWM Tank 500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 7 in the GWM Tank 500.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Tank 500 gets a 14.6-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X1 stands out with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the GWM Tank 500. 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 GWM Tank 500 offers synthetic leather.
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 GWM Tank 500 responds with a Hybrid making 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Tank 500 is 0.5s 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, 578mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Tank 500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 795L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the GWM Tank 500 a 255L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 1,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.3m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW X1 and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (BMW X1) vs $2,423 (GWM Tank 500). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X1 will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the GWM Tank 500 has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and GWM Tank 500?
The GWM Tank 500 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X1 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X1 and GWM Tank 500 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GWM Tank 500 has the largest boot at 795L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 500 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW. The GWM Tank 500 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
Track the cars you're comparing
Get price-drop and spec-change alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown of launches, deals and reviews.
- Price-drop alerts on these models
- Spec-change alerts
- Weekly new-car rundown
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
