BMW X1 E84 vs Renault Arkana ARK

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

Renault Arkana

ARK · 2020 – 2026

The Arkana (ARK), a coupé-SUV on the CMF-B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Arkana

Pick the Arkana for a striking coupé-SUV with a roomy boot and an efficient hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

N20 20i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Renault Arkana
Power	184 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	270 Nm Winner	260 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	9,8 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,1 hp/t Winner	105,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	168 g/km	132 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,7 L/100km	5,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Renault Arkana
Boot	420 L	480 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.350 L	1.500 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,76 m Winner	2,72 m
Length	4,45 m	4,57 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	750 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Renault Arkana
Platform	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)	CMF-B
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

Renault Arkana

Infotainment: freezes and lag
Electrical gremlins (12V battery)
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Pros

BMW X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

Renault Arkana

Striking coupé design
Roomy boot (480–513 L)
Efficient E-Tech hybrid available

Cons

BMW X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Driving experience

BMW X1

—

Renault Arkana

A comfortable long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, and body control is reasonable, but the ride is firmer than many rivals — especially on larger wheels — and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the E-Tech hybrid prioritises efficiency and can feel less linear under hard acceleration because of its multi-mode transmission. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder.