BMW X1 vs Volkswagen T-Cross

BMW X1
BMW’s compact premium SUV.
VS

Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen’s compact urban SUV.
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 (petrol) or 20d (diesel).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Volkswagen T-Cross
Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.
Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp).
Read the full guide
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol
| BMW X1 | Volkswagen T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
Winner
|
115 hp
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
10,0 s
|
| Top speed |
226 km/h
Winner
|
193 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
127,6 hp/t
Winner
|
96,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
|
120 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,3 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Volkswagen T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
505 L
Winner
|
455 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.550 L
Winner
|
1.281 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,55 m
|
| Length |
4,44 m
|
4,14 m
|
| Width |
1,82 m
|
1,76 m
|
| Height |
1,60 m
|
1,57 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Volkswagen T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the Mini Countryman) | MQB A0 (transverse, shared with the Polo/Taigo) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel | EA211/EA211 evo 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic · 6-speed manual | 5/6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d (all engines) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X1
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)
Volkswagen T-Cross
- DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
- Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
- Infotainment glitches on early cars
Pros
BMW X1
- Sharp BMW handling
- Proven B-series engines
- Optional xDrive all-wheel drive
Volkswagen T-Cross
- High seating position and good visibility
- Flexible sliding rear bench
- Thrifty 1.0 TSI engines with low CO2
Cons
BMW X1
- Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
- Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)
Volkswagen T-Cross
- Rear bench tight for three adults
- Pre-facelift interior plainer
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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