BMW X1 18d vs VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI in the test: compact SUV without all-wheel drive

S Dear Sir or Madam, in In times of change in individual mobility, we want to set an example and emphasize that premium will in future define itself even more strongly through sustainability. 'It could sound like this or similar at a joint press conference by BMW and VW on the X1 s-Drive 18d and Tiguan 2.0 TDI : All-wheel drive out, economical diesel in. After all, which driver of a compact SUV lets the multi-plate clutch and differential lock overheat, drives through streams, straddles the Ac hsen?

In practice, the all-wheel drive softies - in our test the BMW X1 s-Drive 18d and the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI CR Trend & Fun - experience at most the ups and downs of a normal car life between the supermarket and vacation trip. The question of slope angle or fording depth interests the common customer as much as the crank angle of the crankshaft. The manufacturers have recognized this and are offering alternatives to the weighty and fuel-intensive all-wheel drive.

BMW X1 and VW Tiguan with start-stop

So back to the drive roots. And in the case of the BMW X1 s-Drive 18d, these are rear-wheel drive. That is why s-Drive does not stand for sport, but for standard. VW, on the other hand, simply does without the addition of 4Motion in the front-wheel-drive Tiguan 2.0 TDI. In return, it gets the Blue Motion Technology package in combination with the 140 hp two-liter TDI. It contains optimized aerodynamics, a gearshift indicator, a start-stop system and a longer gear ratio. Even BMW doesn't let an X1 18d roll out of the Leipzig plant without a demand-controlled alternator, start-stop system and gearshift indicator.

VW diesel runs more quietly

What does rolling mean - with its 143 hp and 320 Newton meters, the 1.6-tonner sprints to 100 km /h in the test in less than ten seconds, pulling at medium speeds stocky through. The two-liter responds spontaneously and avoids a start-up depression - but also a pronounced will to turn. A bit of demarcation to the 34 hp more powerful (but 3,000 euros more expensive 20d) must still remain. Compared to the TDI in the VW Tiguan, which has been converted to gentleness as common rail, the BMW diesel distinguishes itself through its more robust style. The VW diesel runs more quietly in our test, also produces 320 Nm and brings the 1.6-ton VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI up to speed. Only in the upper corridors does he run out of vigor. ThereforeIt remains just as restrained acoustically and vibrations as it is with consumption: on average - like the BMW X1 18d - 7.3 L /100 km is sufficient. It was driven economically by 5.1 liters, while the BMW offered 5.2 L /100 km and the more driver-oriented interior during our test drive. It arouses cockpit feelings more than a box-shaped terrain cube. What else can he do: The engine, which is installed longitudinally almost behind the front axle, demands compromises when it comes to the package.

BMW X1 18d with less space

Recognizable from the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI, which is almost equally long on the outside whose interior exudes a cab atmosphere, not only because of the greater height. Just as ergonomic as the BMW X1 18d, but equipped with a more airy feeling of space, it vies for the favor of older and younger families looking for comfort. Comfortable entry, practical storage and a sliding rear bench are just as standard with it as a luggage compartment with a volume of 470 to 1,510 liters.

BMW customers have to put up with a little less and just a foldable bench. There is not even a remedy for a surcharge - although almost everything, including an Internet connection, is available to increase the basic price of 30,000 euros. Even the basic Tiguan for 27,675 euros can be pushed in the test with impressive features such as the self-parking mechanism or with comfort-enhancing such as adaptive dampers. The latter help the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI to competently conceal most of the bumps. The tightly designed BMW X1 18d passed short asphalt faults dry in the test, only becomes more binding on longer waves.

BMW X1 18d encourages you to turn jaggedly

It's like with gummy bears: some like them soft, others more firm to the bite. The taste of the latter meets the somewhat sluggish, but very responsive BMW steering in connection with the rear-oriented self-steering behavior. The agile, low-roll BMW X1 18d encourages you to turn jaggedly and accelerate out of it. In contrast to x-Drive models with situational force distribution, the rear of the 70 kilo lighter, rear-wheel-drive s-Drive pushes outwards more strongly.

Traction of the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI meets the requirements

The more sluggish VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI prefers to stay away from excess dynamic dynamics in the test; but if need be, he can get it over with without any problems. It stays on course from neutral to slightly understeering, the drive influences hardly affect steering precision. The traction also meets almost all requirements - only on slippery slopes and above all away from them do the test drivers want the more adhesive all-wheel drive.

For urban Indians, however, the following applies: The 14.25 euros all-wheel surcharge for the VW Tiguan 2, You can save yourself 0 TDI and 2,000 euros for the BMW X1 18d. Because of sustainability and such.