BMW X5 G05 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), 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 X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

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

B58 40i · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	340 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	450 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	243 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	650 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,98 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,92 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	12,6 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic	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 X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Pros

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

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 X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Driving experience

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.

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.