BMW X3 G01 vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

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) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	BMW X3	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	184 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	290 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,3 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	215 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	550 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,71 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
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 X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

BMW X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

Cons

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

Driving experience

BMW X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.