BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Kadjar KAD

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

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

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD 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 Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Renault Kadjar
Power	286 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	9,6 s
Top speed	180 km/h	205 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	100,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	125 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	Renault Kadjar
Boot	510 L Winner	472 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.478 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,65 m
Length	4,73 m	4,45 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 Kadjar
Platform	CLAR (electric)	CMF-CD
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi
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 Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery 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 Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
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 Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

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 Kadjar

A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.