BMW X1 vs Volkswagen Tayron

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Volkswagen Tayron at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen Tayron, against 5 on the BMW X1.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tayron gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tayron offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X1 and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Drivetrain

The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Volkswagen Tayron responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels.

The BMW X1 has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 292mm shorter than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tayron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the BMW X1 a 195L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volkswagen Tayron leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BMW X1's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.3 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Volkswagen Tayron about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volkswagen Tayron).

Where each one leads

The BMW X1: more power (115kW against 110kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 345L).

The Volkswagen Tayron: the lower starting price ($48,290 against $61,800) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,700kg).

The Verdict

BMW X1 scores higher, 75 vs 73

The BMW X1 scores 75 to the Volkswagen Tayron's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (BMW X1 ahead by 14 points), safety (Volkswagen Tayron ahead by 3 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Common questions