BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Captur MK1

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

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

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

The first Captur (MK1), on a modified 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 Captur

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Renault Captur
Power	286 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	12,7 s
Top speed	180 km/h Winner	171 km/h
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	83,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	105 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	4,7 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	Renault Captur
Boot	510 L Winner	377 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.235 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,73 m	4,12 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	—
Turning circle	12,1 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Renault Captur
Platform	CLAR (electric)	B (modified)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	5-speed manual
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6
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 Captur

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

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 Captur

Flexible sliding rear bench
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

BMW iX3

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

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2

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 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 acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.