BMW X1 F48 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 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 (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 diesel).

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

B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	192 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	280 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	226 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	127,6 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	134 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	505 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,67 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,44 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Pros

BMW X1

Spacious cabin & big boot
Efficient engines
Practical and family-friendly

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

BMW X1

Firm ride (run-flat)
Less playful due to front-wheel drive

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Driving experience

BMW X1

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.

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.