BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Koleos KOL

BMW iX3
G08 · 2020 – 2026
The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
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.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
iX3 · Electric vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| BMW iX3 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
286 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
400 Nm
Winner
|
340 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
6,8 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
180 km/h
|
194 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
131,2 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
128 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
5,0 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW iX3 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
510 L
Winner
|
458 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.560 L
|
1.690 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
17,9 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,1 m
|
11,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
|
2.000 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW iX3 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Electric | Diesel |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 12V battery issues (occasional reports)
- Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
- Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- 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)
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
- No frunk, despite the EV concept
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
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 Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Belgian taxes & LEZ