BMW iX1 U11 vs Renault Arkana ARK

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

Renault Arkana

ARK · 2020 – 2026

The Arkana (ARK), a coupé-SUV on the CMF-B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Arkana

Pick the Arkana for a striking coupé-SUV with a roomy boot and an efficient hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW iX1	Renault Arkana
Power	313 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	260 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	9,8 s
Top speed	180 km/h	200 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	105,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	132 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Renault Arkana
Boot	490 L Winner	480 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.500 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,72 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,57 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,9 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg Winner	750 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Renault Arkana
Platform	FAAR (electric)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

Renault Arkana

Infotainment: freezes and lag
Electrical gremlins (12V battery)
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

Renault Arkana

Striking coupé design
Roomy boot (480–513 L)
Efficient E-Tech hybrid available

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

Renault Arkana

A comfortable long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, and body control is reasonable, but the ride is firmer than many rivals — especially on larger wheels — and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the E-Tech hybrid prioritises efficiency and can feel less linear under hard acceleration because of its multi-mode transmission. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder.