Audi e-tron GE vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

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

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.

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…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	408 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	200 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	123 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	660 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,90 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
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

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

Pros

Audi e-tron

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

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.

Volkswagen Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.