BMW X3 G01 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

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

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), 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 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 X3	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	184 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	290 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,3 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	215 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	550 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,71 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Volkswagen Taigo
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 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 X3

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

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Pros

BMW X3

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

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 X3

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

Volkswagen Taigo

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

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 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.