BMW iX1 U11 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Tiguan (AD1), on the MQB 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 Tiguan

Pick the Tiguan for a roomy, practical family SUV with strong towing and a wide engine range.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	313 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	9,2 s
Top speed	180 km/h	200 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	102,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	139 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	490 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,50 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	19,0 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,5 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	FAAR (electric)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

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 Tiguan

Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
Haldex 4MOTION service (fluid/clutch)
Software/infotainment glitches pre-facelift

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 Tiguan

Very roomy boot (615–1,655 l) with sliding rear bench
Allspace variant with 7 seats (option)
Towing up to 2,500 kg on 4MOTION diesels

Cons

BMW iX1

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

Pre-facelift interior looks more dated
1.4 TSI (early) less smooth than the later 1.5 TSI

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 Tiguan

Comfortable, easy to drive and predictably competent. The Tiguan II rides with good isolation over broken surfaces, stays quiet at a cruise, and steers lightly and accurately without much feedback. Front-drive versions are easy and economical; 4MOTION adds useful traction in poor weather and on loose surfaces. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the 2.0 TSI is brisk if unremarkable. The DSG is smooth in traffic. Body control is fine for a family SUV, but the Tiguan is set up for comfort and space, not cornering entertainment.