BMW X3 G01 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Tiguan (AD1), on the MQB 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 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 X3	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	184 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	290 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,3 s Winner	9,2 s
Top speed	215 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t Winner	102,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	139 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	6,1 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	550 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,71 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	19,0 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,5 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e 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 X3

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Pros

BMW X3

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

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 X3

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

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 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.