BMW iX1 U11 vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen T-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	313 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	180 km/h	193 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	120 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	490 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,50 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	FAAR (electric)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
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

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.