BMW 2 Series F45 vs Renault Scenic MK4
BMW 2 Series
F45 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Active Tourer (F45), BMW’s front-wheel-drive MPV.
Renault Scenic
MK4 · 2016 – 2023
The fourth Scenic (MK4, 2016–2023), a modern 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 MK4 for the roomier, more modern Scenic with an efficient 1.5 Blue dCi.
Performance
B38 218i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
240 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,2 s
Winner
|
9,3 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
97,9 hp/t
Winner
|
96,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
121 g/km
Winner
|
125 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,3 L/100km
Winner
|
5,6 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
468 L
|
506 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.510 L
|
1.600 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,73 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,34 m
|
4,41 m
|
| Ground clearance |
16,5 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
11,2 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | Renault Scenic | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual · EDC7 |
| 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
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts
- Electronics and infotainment glitches
Pros
- Practical, high seating position
- Flexible boot space
- Compact footprint
- Bigger boot and modern design
- Efficient 1.5 Blue dCi diesel
- Practical and comfortable for families
Cons
- Firm ride
- Less sporty than the BMW norm
- MPV shape less popular than SUV
- 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 firmer than many traditional MPVs, particularly on the standard 20-inch wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
