BMW X1 F48 vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

CT1 · 2024 – 2026

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

Read the full guide

Performance

B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 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	9,1 s
Top speed	226 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	127,6 hp/t Winner	101,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	134 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	505 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,44 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	19,5 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MQB Evo (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 Evo 1.5 eTSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6e
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

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

Pros

BMW X1

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

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 X1

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

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, 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.