BMW 2 Series F45 vs Renault Espace MK5
BMW 2 Series
F45 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Active Tourer (F45), BMW’s front-wheel-drive MPV.
Renault Espace
MK5 · 2015 – 2023
The fifth Espace (MK5), a large MPV on the CMF-CD platform.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series for a flexible cabin, high seating position and practical premium family motoring.
Renault Espace
Pick the Espace for a very roomy, comfortable seven-seat MPV with strong engines.
Performance
B38 218i · Petrol vs 1.8 TCe 225 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
225 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,2 s
|
7,6 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
224 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
97,9 hp/t
|
136,4 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
121 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,3 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
468 L
|
680 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.510 L
|
2.100 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,88 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,34 m
|
4,86 m
|
| Ground clearance |
16,5 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
11,1 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.850 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Espace | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (transverse) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 225xe PHEV | 1.6 TCe · 1.8 TCe · 1.6 dCi · 2.0 Blue dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | EDC7 automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Timing chain on early B38 engines
- EGR clogging on B47 diesels
- Cooling system needs checking
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use (diesel)
Pros
- Practical, high seating position
- Flexible boot space
- Compact footprint
- Very roomy seven-seat cabin
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Strong 1.8 TCe and 2.0 Blue dCi
Cons
- Firm ride
- Less sporty than the BMW norm
- Large and less agile
- Diesel: AdBlue/DPF on short trips
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Comfortable, practical and easy to drive, if not especially involving. The Active Tourer steers lightly and accurately, rides well, and gives a high, upright seating position that suits family duties. Front-drive is the base; xDrive adds traction on the stronger engines. The B38/B48 petrols are smooth and willing, the B47 diesels are the economical distance choice, and the 225xe plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 8-speed automatic is smooth. It is a practical, well-built compact MPV that trades BMW driver involvement for space and versatility.
Renault Espace
Comfortable and composed for a large family vehicle, with a focus on long-distance refinement. Ride quality is absorbent, though some early examples felt soft in body control. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size. Optional 4Control four-wheel steering improves low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. Diesels are refined and strong for motorway use, while petrol engines offer more responsive acceleration. EDC dual-clutch automatics are smooth once warm but can show low-speed hesitation or judder when cold.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
