BMW X1 F48 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

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

B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	192 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	280 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	9,2 s
Top speed	226 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	127,6 hp/t Winner	102,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	134 g/km Winner	139 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km Winner	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	505 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,44 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	19,0 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m Winner	11,5 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d-TEMP
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 Tiguan

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

Pros

BMW X1

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

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 X1

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

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 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.