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.
X4 has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Alsvin.
Alsvin starts ZAR 950,100 cheaperAlsvin from ZAR 249,900 · X4 from ZAR 1,200,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Alsvin
X4
Maximum Power
Alsvin78 kW
X4285 kW
Maximum Torque
Alsvin145 Nm
X4500 Nm
Engine Size
Alsvin1500 cc
X42998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Alsvin14.49 km/l
X412.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
Alsvin150 mm
X4140 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.
Changan Alsvin
1.5 AT CE
Hagalu editorial rating
3.9/5★★★★★★★★★★
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)
Alsvin
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
X4
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Alsvin
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
X4
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
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
Alsvin
X4
Model Introduced Year
2025
2018
Generation
Current South African Alsvin generation launched with two locally named derivatives in 2025.
Five-door coupé-style SUV from the established X4 generation, separate from X3 and without a current full-M derivative.
Facelift History
No South African facelift has been announced since the current range entered local retail sale.
Current South African X4 listing retained on BMW’s live range; current exact identities are xDrive20d and M40i.
Facelift Launched Since
Not Applicable
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Not Applicable
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Compact sedan
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger car
Car
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Length
4390 mm
1 mm
Width
1725 mm
1 mm
Height
1490 mm
1 mm
Wheelbase
2535 mm
1 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
390 l
472 l
Kerb Weight
1069 kg
1555 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1470 kg
2060 kg
Payload Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
452 kg
Towing Capacity
705 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.5 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
992 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
941 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1038 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
883 mm
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
BMW turbocharged engine
Engine Code
JL473QF
B48
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1500 cc
2998 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
82.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
78 kW
285 kW
Maximum Torque
145 Nm
500 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
FWD
AWD
Transmission
5-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
12.2 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
220 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
Alsvin
X4
Gearbox
5-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Officially Disclosed
M sport differential
Transfer Case
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Number of Gears
5
8
Transmission Type
DCT
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Officially Disclosed
Electronically controlled AWD
4WD Hi Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Gearbox Type
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Low Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Axle Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Transmission Speeds
5
8
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Claimed Mileage
14.49 km/l
12.5 km/l
City Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
1 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
14.49 km/l
12.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
1
Combined Driving Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Officially Disclosed
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Officially Disclosed
420 km
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Traction Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seats
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
AEB
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
BA
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seats
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Stability Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
TCS
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Cruise Control
Cruise Control
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear (3 sensors)
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Park Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Seat Material
Leather and cloth
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with decorative stitching
Heated Seats
Not Officially Disclosed
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Foam with leather trim
Steering wheel M Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Electric with driver memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Electric multi-way
Seat Trim
Leather and cloth
M Sport Seats
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Climate Control
Manual air conditioning
Standard
Power Windows
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort Access
Push Button Start
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Sunroof
Electric sunroof
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
AC Type
Manual air conditioning
Standard
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Infotainment System
7-inch touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Android Auto
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Officially Disclosed
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
USB Ports
1 front USB port
2
Infotainment Screen
7-inch LCD touchscreen
14.9
Touchscreen
7-inch LCD touchscreen
14.9
Spec
Alsvin
X4
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Not Officially Disclosed
Multiple manufacturer colours
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
25 deg
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
23 deg
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
500 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto; Sport; Eco
Locking Differential
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
4WD System Type
Not Officially Disclosed
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
20 deg
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Tyre Size
185/55 R15
Runflat tyres
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
M Sport brakes
Rear Brake Type
Drum
M Sport brakes
Spare Wheel Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
15-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
20
Handbrake Type
Mechanical parking brake
Electronic
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Front Suspension
MacPherson
Adaptive M Suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Adaptive M Suspension
Spec
Alsvin
X4
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
1 g/km
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Service Plan
5 years / 75,000 km (standard on CE; optional on CS)
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Ownership Role
Current South African derivative
Private, business and fleet
Price Zar
289900 ZAR
1600000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
289900
1600000
Starting Price Zar
289900
1600000
Spec
Alsvin
X4
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This Alsvin and X4 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: Alsvin 35 vs X4 97.
Efficiency index: Alsvin 56 vs X4 57.
Safety-equipment index: Alsvin 32 vs X4 92.
Practicality index: Alsvin 54 vs X4 60.
Ownership-cover index: Alsvin not separately scored vs X4 not separately scored.
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
Alsvin and X4 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
X4 leads by 35 points
X4 has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Alsvin.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
X4
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
60/100
Alsvin
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
32/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW X4
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 43 pts for Alsvin
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, X4 leads. However, Alsvin 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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