BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Arkana ARK

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR 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 iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

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

iX3 · Electric vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Renault Arkana
Power	286 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	260 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	9,8 s
Top speed	180 km/h	200 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 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 iX3	Renault Arkana
Boot	510 L Winner	480 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,72 m
Length	4,73 m	4,57 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	—
Turning circle	12,1 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	750 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Renault Arkana
Platform	CLAR (electric)	CMF-B
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	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 iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

Renault Arkana

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

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

Renault Arkana

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

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

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.