BMW X1 E84 vs Renault Austral AUS
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Performance
N20 20i · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid
| BMW X1 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
200 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
270 Nm
|
—
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
8,4 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
Winner
|
175 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,1 hp/t
|
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
168 g/km
|
108 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,7 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
420 L
|
430 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.350 L
|
1.525 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,76 m
Winner
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,51 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive) | CMF-CD3 |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i) | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | E-Tech automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Hybrid |
| 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
- N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
- Transfer case (xDrive)
- Cooling system needs checking
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Pros
- Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
- Compact footprint
- Good headroom
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
Cons
- Firm ride
- Small boot for the class
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
Driving experience
BMW X1
—
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.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
