BMW 2 Series F45 vs Renault Scenic J95
BMW 2 Series
F45 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Active Tourer (F45), BMW’s front-wheel-drive MPV.
Renault Scenic
J95 · 2009 – 2016
The Scenic (J95, 2009–2016), a compact MPV.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series for a flexible cabin, high seating position and practical premium family motoring.
Renault Scenic
Pick the J95 for an affordable, practical early Scenic with a large used supply.
Performance
B38 218i · Petrol vs 1.2 TCe 130 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
Winner
|
205 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,2 s
Winner
|
11,4 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
Winner
|
190 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
97,9 hp/t
Winner
|
93,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
121 g/km
Winner
|
135 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,3 L/100km
Winner
|
5,9 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
468 L
Winner
|
437 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.510 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,70 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,34 m
|
4,34 m
|
| Ground clearance |
16,5 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
11,0 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
1.200 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (transverse) | C |
| 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 16V · 1.4 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.5 dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.9 dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| 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
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts
- Electronics and MediaNav/R-Link glitches
Pros
- Practical, high seating position
- Flexible boot space
- Compact footprint
- Roomy, practical with lots of storage
- Affordable used supply
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Firm ride
- Less sporty than the BMW norm
- Older design and interior
- 1.2 TCe carries chain risk
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 Scenic
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use. Ride quality is absorbent and composed for the segment, with body control better than many traditional MPVs of the era. The diesels are refined and strong for motorway use, while petrol engines are adequate but less efficient. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the automatic options (EDC dual-clutch on some diesels, CVT on the 2.0 petrol) can show hesitation or less refined behaviour in low-speed use.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
