BMW iX1 U11 vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

CT1 · 2024 – 2026

The third-generation Tiguan (CT1), on the MQB Evo 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 eTSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs 1.5 eTSI 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	9,1 s
Top speed	180 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	101,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	128 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	490 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,50 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	19,5 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,7 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	FAAR (electric)	MQB Evo (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 Evo 1.5 eTSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6e
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

New-generation software (MIB4) may need campaigns
Higher weight/reinforced suspension on eHybrid
4MOTION diesels: AdBlue/DPF on short trips

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

Even bigger boot (652 l) with a flat load floor
Modern MIB4 infotainment and driver assistance
eHybrid with ~19.7 kWh battery and low CO2

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

eHybrid loses boot space (490 l)
Touch-slider controls take getting used to

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, quiet and more car-like than the old Tiguan. The CT1 rides with better body control and noise isolation than the AD1, steers accurately, and feels lighter on its feet despite similar dimensions. Front-drive versions are easy; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 eTSI is smooth and efficient with its 48-volt assistance, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance pick, and the eHybrid covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth; there is no manual. It is a more polished, more digital version of the same formula — comfortable and competent, if still not exciting.