Audi e-tron GE vs BMW X1 E84

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the GE for the 55 quattro’s 408 hp and 150 kW DC charging — ideally a post-2019 car with the coolant recall done.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs N20 20i · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	BMW X1
Power	408 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	270 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	200 km/h	205 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	121,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	168 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,7 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	BMW X1
Boot	660 L Winner	420 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.350 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,76 m
Length	4,90 m	4,45 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	18,3 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW X1
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 5
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics gremlins on 2019–2020 cars
Coolant leak into the high-voltage electronics (recall on early cars)
Battery and charging-system health check recommended before buying used

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

Pros

Audi e-tron

150 kW DC fast charging
55 quattro: 408 hp and up to 664 Nm in boost mode
95 kWh battery in the 55 quattro

BMW X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

Cons

Audi e-tron

55 quattro uses ~23 kWh/100 km in real-world driving
Early software quirks

BMW X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.