BMW iX1 U11 vs Renault Austral AUS

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

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

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

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 Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid

	BMW iX1	Renault Austral
Power	313 hp Winner	200 hp
Torque	494 Nm	—
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	180 km/h Winner	175 km/h
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	128,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	108 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	4,7 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Renault Austral
Boot	490 L Winner	430 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.525 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,50 m	4,51 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,9 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	1.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Renault Austral
Platform	FAAR (electric)	CMF-CD3
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	E-Tech automatic
Fuel	Electric	Hybrid
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 Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
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 Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

Cons

BMW iX1

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

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

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 Austral

A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.