BMW X1 E84 vs Volkswagen T-Roc A11

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

Volkswagen T-Roc

A11 · 2017 – 2025

The first-generation T-Roc (A11), on the MQB A1 platform.

First car

Second car

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 (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pick the T-Roc for a bold crossover look with an elevated seat and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

N20 20i · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Volkswagen T-Roc
Power	184 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	270 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	205 km/h	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,1 hp/t Winner	118,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	168 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,7 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Volkswagen T-Roc
Boot	420 L	445 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.350 L Winner	1.290 L
Wheelbase	2,76 m Winner	2,59 m
Length	4,45 m	4,23 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	16,1 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Volkswagen T-Roc
Platform	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)	MQB A1 (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

Volkswagen T-Roc

Electronic parking-brake and software recalls (pre-facelift)
Infotainment glitches on early cars
Cabriolet: roof mechanism/water ingress at high mileage

Pros

BMW X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

Volkswagen T-Roc

Customisable design with optional contrasting roof
Facelift (2022) brought modernised lights and interior
Strong driver-assistance suite (IQ.DRIVE)

Cons

BMW X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pre-facelift interior (2017–2021) looks simpler
Cabriolet: smaller boot and higher weight

Driving experience

BMW X1

—

Volkswagen T-Roc

Easy, comfortable and a little more involving than most crossovers. The T-Roc steers accurately with decent weighting, rides well enough, and handles tidily for a car of its height, with the 2.0 TSI R version adding genuine pace. Front-drive is the default; 4MOTION adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the distance choice, and the 1.0 TSI is adequate for town work. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light. It is a well-rounded compact crossover that feels closer to a Golf than its tall body suggests.