BMW iX1 U11 vs Renault Captur MK2

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

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

Renault Captur

MK2 · 2019 – 2026

The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.

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 Captur

Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	BMW iX1	Renault Captur
Power	313 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	13,0 s
Top speed	180 km/h Winner	178 km/h
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	87,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	115 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Renault Captur
Boot	490 L Winner	422 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.500 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,50 m	4,24 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,9 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Renault Captur
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)	1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	6-speed manual
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 Captur

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

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 Captur

Bigger boot than the MK1
Modern E-Tech hybrids available
Keeps the clever sliding rear bench

Cons

BMW iX1

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

Renault Captur

PHEV pricier and heavier
Infotainment can be slow

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 Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.