BMW iX1 vs Renault Arkana

BMW iX1

BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.

Renault Arkana

Renault’s coupé-style compact SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).

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
Width	1,85 m	1,82 m
Height	1,62 m	1,58 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Renault Arkana
Platform	FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive)	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	6-speed manual · EDC7 · E-Tech automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6d allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
12V battery can drain when parked

Renault Arkana

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

Pros

BMW iX1

Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
Quiet, refined ride, typically electric

Renault Arkana

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

Cons

BMW iX1

Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1

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.