Yes if the X1 had a sunroof, reverse camera, digital dash, adaptive cruise Etc there would be no contest.
George – Just a few thoughts on the equipment deficit of the X1. By way of background, we currently have a Tiguan 2.0 TDi 190PS 4Motion DSG SEL. When we ordered it in 2018 we looked at the X1 and discounted it due to the comparative lack of equipment versus the Tiguan, the poor (too small) front seats and the fact that it looked like a budget BMW inside compared to higher range models (I’ve had a dozen or so BMW’s over the years from 3 to 7 series so am very familiar with them).
The Tiguan is very well equipped but I find them incredibly dull cars to drive (we’ve had 4 of them, including an R-Line). Also, many of the features that the Tiguan has don’t work as well as the comparative BMW systems. Just three examples I would give are the Sat Nav & Multimedia system (I could write a post just on my frustrations with this system versus the class leading BMW iDrive), adaptive headlights (the VW setup is too slow to react versus the BMW version) and DSG gearbox, which has a tendency to have a very slight delay when you need quick power to overtake – a problem that you never have in the BMW autos. I have always driven BMW’s in Eco Pro mode and never found them lacking in power, so you get a perfect blend of performance and economy. In the Tiguan I have to leave it in the default standard mode as in Eco mode there is just too much lag.
We have just ordered a BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine to replace the Tiguan. The X1 had a facelift a year or so ago and as well as exterior styling improvements, a lot of its former shortcomings have been addressed. The front seats are a different shape now and slightly bigger (still very slightly smaller than the Tiguan though). The iDrive screen has been made bigger (also worth noting it is much higher up than the Tiguan screen, so easier to use and safer too). Cabin quality has been improved. As well as the standard leather on the xLine, the dashboard and other trim areas are leather-look with contrast stitching which gives it a proper premium class look and feel that it lacked before (and a big step up from the austere Tiguan).
We have opted for a Technology pack that includes a rear view camera and adaptive headlights with High Beam Assist, as we would miss those. It also adds enhanced Bluetooth, Wireless Charging although we could live without them. In terms of the key features that we will lose versus the Tiguan, my views are as follows;
Sunroof – won’t miss it. Never really use it and it causes a greenhouse effect in the summer (even with the thin blind closed). Also, you don’t even see it unless you are sat in the rear, which we never are! We are opting for the Oyster interior on the X1 which will lighten the interior anyway.
Digital Dash – Our current Tiguan is the first car we’ve had that has one. I went through all the different options when we got the car, found the one that I liked most and have never changed it since, so we might as well have had a normal dash! You can get a small sat nav map to appear, but I prefer to have the map on the main screen and turn by turn instructions on the dash, which the X1 can do anyway.
Adaptive Cruise – Again, our current Tiguan is the first car we have had it on. I’m not a huge fan of it. The VW system is over sensitive and if a car you are following slows and turns off, you can find the car slowing quite sharply and more than you would do yourself. Also, on a motorway, I set cruise at say 79mph and then after a while you suddenly realise that you have slowed by 10 mph for a while due to traffic ahead that you needn’t have done as you could have overtaken them! With normal cruise, you realise that you are closing the gap so naturally move to overtake. So, again, I won’t really miss it.
There is only one feature that the Tiguan has that I think I will miss and that’s keyless access. It will seem odd having to press the remote again! I also like the foot operated tailgate opening that comes with it. The tailgate on the X1 can be opened and closed via the remote however and it does have keyless go, so you can still have the key in your pocket whilst driving. Whereas I was prepared to pay extra for the pack with the reversing camera and adaptive headlights etc I couldn’t justify the pack cost to get keyless access, as it includes other features that we don’t need. Hope that all helps.