BMW XM vs Volkswagen Tayron

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW XM. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW XM features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 XM stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Tayron. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW XM gets merino leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tayron offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW XM and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Drivetrain

The BMW XM uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 550kW and 1000Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

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

The BMW XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW XM measures 5,110mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 318mm longer than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 527L in the BMW XM and 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the BMW XM a 182L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BMW XM leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 900kg 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 XM's turning circle is 0.7 m tighter, 11.4 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 XM costs about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid) and fuel for the Volkswagen Tayron about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,482 a year less for the Volkswagen Tayron. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

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

Where each one leads

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (527L against 345L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 1,800kg).

The Volkswagen Tayron: the lower starting price ($48,290 against $309,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $3,648).

The Verdict

Volkswagen Tayron scores higher, 73 vs 58

The Volkswagen Tayron scores 73 to the BMW XM's 58 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW XM ahead by 54 points), fuel economy (Volkswagen Tayron ahead by 47 points), value (Volkswagen Tayron ahead by 42 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Volkswagen Tayron costs about $1,482 less (7.6 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 527L in the BMW XM, 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Common questions