BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Austral AUS

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

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

iX3 · Electric vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid

	BMW iX3	Renault Austral
Power	286 hp Winner	200 hp
Torque	400 Nm	—
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	180 km/h Winner	175 km/h
Power-to-weight	131,2 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 iX3	Renault Austral
Boot	510 L Winner	430 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.525 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,73 m	4,51 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	—
Turning circle	12,1 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Renault Austral
Platform	CLAR (electric)	CMF-CD3
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	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 iX3

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

Renault Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
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 Austral

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

Cons

BMW iX3

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

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

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 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.