BMW 1 Series F40 vs Renault Megane MK5
BMW 1 Series
F40 · 2019 – 2024
The third-generation 1 Series (F40), BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model.
Renault Megane
MK5 · 2022 – 2026
The fifth Mégane (MK5), fully electric on the CMF-EV / AmpR Medium platform.
BMW 1 Series
Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.
Renault Megane
Pick the MK5 for an electric Mégane with sharp design and a long range on the 60 kWh battery.
Performance
B38 118i · Petrol vs E-Tech EV60 220 · Electric
| BMW 1 Series | Renault Megane | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
220 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,5 s
|
7,4 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
213 km/h
Winner
|
160 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
106,1 hp/t
|
134,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
124 g/km
|
0 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,5 L/100km
|
—
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 1 Series | Renault Megane | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
380 L
|
440 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.332 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,69 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,32 m
|
4,20 m
|
| Ground clearance |
15,2 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
10,5 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.300 kg
Winner
|
900 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 1 Series | Renault Megane | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2/FAAR (transverse) | CMF-EV / AmpR Medium |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 48V mild-hybrid | E-Tech 130 (40 kWh) · E-Tech 220 (60 kWh) |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | Single-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | N/A (electric) |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 48V mild-hybrid system
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- 12V battery: drain and “charging impossible” messages
- Front footwell moisture (pre-Oct 2022)
- Software and parking-brake actuator recalls
Pros
- More cabin space than its predecessor
- Premium interior
- Efficient engines
- Sharp design and a modern interior
- Roomy 440 L boot for an EV
- Up to ~470 km range (60 kWh)
Cons
- Front-wheel drive (less playful than before)
- Firm ride on M Sport
- Limited range with the 40 kWh version
- Infotainment can be slow to respond
Driving experience
BMW 1 Series
Agile, sharp and impressively poised for a front-driver. Steering is quick, accurate and well-weighted, body control taut, and the 1 Series turns in keenly with little of the understeer you might expect. sDrive keeps it light and lively; xDrive on the M135i adds tenacious all-weather grip. The B38 triple is willing if a little coarse, the B48 four is smooth and eager, and the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay refined. The 7-speed dual-clutch is quick and slick. Overall a genuinely engaging hatch that feels more BMW than its platform suggests.
Renault Megane
Instant torque and quiet operation are the defining traits. The 220 hp version accelerates strongly (0–100 km/h in around 7.4 seconds) and feels responsive in daily driving. Steering is light and direct at lower speeds, ride quality is generally comfortable for an EV of this weight, though larger wheels make it firmer, and body control is competent. The front-wheel-drive layout can show some wheelspin under hard acceleration in the wet, and regenerative braking has multiple levels. Top speed is limited to 150–160 km/h. Overall a refined, easy-to-drive compact EV rather than a performance car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
