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BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Koleos KOL

BMW iX3

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

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

VS
Renault Koleos

Renault Koleos

KOL · 2016 – 2026

The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size 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 Koleos

Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.

Best engine: The 1.7 Blue dCi (diesel) or 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive.
Read the full guide

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

BMW iX3
  • 12V battery issues (occasional reports)
  • Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
  • Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque
Renault Koleos
  • EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
  • AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
  • Electronics and infotainment: glitches

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 Koleos
  • Roomy boot and rear seat
  • Comfortable, composed ride
  • 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available

Cons

BMW iX3
  • Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
  • No frunk, despite the EV concept
Renault Koleos
  • 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

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers