BMW X3 G01 vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

CT1 · 2024 – 2026

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

Read the full guide

Performance

B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 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	9,1 s
Top speed	215 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t Winner	101,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	550 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,71 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	19,5 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,7 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB Evo (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 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 X3

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Pros

BMW X3

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

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 X3

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

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, 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.