@ BMW Group Press
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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BMW X1 vs VW Golf – Differences & prices compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X1 or VW Golf?

BMW X1

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

VW Golf

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X1 @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the BMW X1 costs 38200 £. That’s a price difference of around 13033 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the BMW X1 with 2.50 L. The difference is about 1.40 L per 100 km.

As for range, the VW Golf performs significantly better – achieving up to 143 km, about 62 km more than the BMW X1.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 333 HP compared to 326 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the BMW X1 takes 5.40 s. That’s about 0.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the BMW X1 tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW X1 pulls to a small extent stronger with 477 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 57 Nm difference.

X1 @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is evident lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1575 kg. The difference is around 268 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW X1 offers clearly perceptible more room – 540 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 159 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BMW X1 performs clearly perceptible better – up to 1600 L, which is about 363 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf minimal takes the win – 508 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

BMW X1
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km

BMW X1

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

The BMW X1 brings a premium feel to compact crossover life, wrapping practical space and agile handling into a tidy, upscale package. It’s ideal for buyers who want BMW driving dynamics without the bulk, offering everyday comfort and a few clever tricks to keep the commute interesting.

details

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
BMW X1
VW Golf
X1 @ BMW Group Press
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
38200 - 55500 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 7.7 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
14.20 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
57 - 175 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
47 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1575 - 1935 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
490 - 540 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4500 - 4505 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1845 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1622 - 1642 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1495 - 1600 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
490 - 500 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 326 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
190 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
230 - 477 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 240 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
Is the BMW X1 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW X1 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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