BMW iX1 vs Renault Austral

BMW iX1

BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.

Renault Austral

Renault’s modern 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 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
Width	1,85 m	1,83 m
Height	1,62 m	1,62 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Renault Austral
Platform	FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11)	CMF-CD3
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive)	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
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 Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
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 Austral

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

Cons

BMW iX1

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

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.