BMW iX3 vs Renault Austral

BMW iX3

BMW’s electric mid-size SUV.

Renault Austral

Renault’s modern compact SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the iX3 for a practical, refined electric SUV with familiar BMW dynamics and a mature real-world range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive).

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
Width	1,89 m	1,83 m
Height	1,67 m	1,62 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Renault Austral
Platform	CLAR (based on the X3 G01, electric)	CMF-CD3
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single electric motor (fifth-generation eDrive)	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	6-speed manual · EDC7 · E-Tech automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6d allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional)
Parking-sensor or camera faults
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

Practical, familiar X3 packaging with a 510 L boot
Proven single-motor drivetrain (less complexity)
Refined, quiet drive with familiar BMW character

Renault Austral

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

Cons

BMW iX3

No frunk and no all-wheel drive available
Firm ride on larger wheels and M Sport

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.