Audi e-tron GE vs BMW X1 F48

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

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

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the GE for the roomy, quiet e-tron with air suspension and quattro — ideally one with the software updates applied and the high-voltage electronics checked.

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 (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	BMW X1
Power	408 hp Winner	192 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	280 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	200 km/h	226 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	127,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	134 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	BMW X1
Boot	660 L Winner	505 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.550 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,90 m	4,44 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	18,3 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW X1
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
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

Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels

Pros

Audi e-tron

Quiet, refined electric ride
Strong DC fast charging
Air-suspension comfort

BMW X1

Spacious cabin & big boot
Efficient engines
Practical and family-friendly

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

BMW X1

Firm ride (run-flat)
Less playful due to front-wheel drive

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.

BMW X1

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.