A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BMW 1 Series vs Hyundai EX-8 Dropside: the short answer
1 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EX-8 Dropside remains close.
EX-8 Dropside starts ZAR 48,500 cheaper1 Series from ZAR 705,000 · EX-8 Dropside from ZAR 656,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Maximum Power
1 Series233 kW
EX-8 Dropside103 kW @ 2800 rpm
Maximum Torque
1 Series400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
EX-8 Dropside373 Nm
Engine Size
1 Series1998 cc
EX-8 Dropside3907 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
1 Series12.5 km/l
EX-8 Dropside5.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
1 Series140 mm
EX-8 Dropside200 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 1 Series
M135 xDrive
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
1 Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
EX-8 Dropside
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
1 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
EX-8 Dropside
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Model Introduced Year
2024
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Fourth-generation F70 BMW 1 Series, configured for South Africa as a five-door hatchback.
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
F70 is the current fourth-generation South African launch version; no local facelift has been announced.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Dropside truck
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Hatchback
Van
Vehicle Type
Car
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
2650 kg
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Length
4361 mm
6620 mm
Width
1800 mm
2100 mm
Height
1459 mm
2355 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
3850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
100 l
Boot/Cargo Space
380 l
-
Kerb Weight
1550 kg
2650 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2100 kg
7800 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
5150 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
3 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
985 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
958 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1041 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
896 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
3.9-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
B48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
3907 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
233 kW
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
373 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
RWD
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
250 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
38.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
140.8 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
7
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Manual
Drivetrain
AWD
Rear-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7
5
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
5.2 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
4.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
6.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
100 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
5.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
49
100
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
360 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Airbags
6
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
Cloth
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EX-8 Dropside grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Climate Control
Standard
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Wireless
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
AC Type
Standard
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
ex-8-dropside
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
mid
Variant Role
-
Core range derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Infotainment System
Yes
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
14.9
SYNC
Touchscreen
14.9
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
14.9
SYNC
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
LED Headlamps
Yes
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
3
Headlights
Yes
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Body Type
-
Van
Led Headlights
Yes
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Yes
Halogen
Headlight Type
Yes
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
200 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
Not Available
Front Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18"M light alloy wheels Y spoke style 975 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Front Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Mid
Price Zar
975000 ZAR
656500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
975000
656500
Starting Price Zar
975000
656500
Spec
1 Series
EX-8 Dropside
Warranty
Yes
5
Warranty Years
Yes
5
Warranty Kilometers
Yes
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Yes
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This 1 Series and EX-8 Dropside comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 1 Series 91 vs EX-8 Dropside 58.
Efficiency index: 1 Series 50 vs EX-8 Dropside 31.
Safety-equipment index: 1 Series 92 vs EX-8 Dropside 94.
Practicality index: 1 Series 53 vs EX-8 Dropside 67.
Ownership-cover index: 1 Series not separately scored vs EX-8 Dropside 65.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
1 Series and EX-8 Dropside image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
1 Series leads by 9 points
1 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EX-8 Dropside remains close.
Performance
1 Series +33
Efficiency
1 Series +19
Safety
EX-8 Dropside +2
Practicality
EX-8 Dropside +14
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
1 Series
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
53/100
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 1 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 64 pts for EX-8 Dropside
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 1 Series leads. However, EX-8 Dropside may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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