BMW X1 E84 vs Renault Captur MK2
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.
Renault Captur
MK2 · 2019 – 2026
The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Renault Captur
Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.
Performance
N20 20i · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol
| BMW X1 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
100 hp
|
| Torque |
270 Nm
Winner
|
160 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
13,0 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
Winner
|
178 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,1 hp/t
Winner
|
87,7 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
168 g/km
|
115 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,7 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
420 L
|
422 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.350 L
|
1.500 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,76 m
Winner
|
2,64 m
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,24 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| 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
- N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
- Transfer case (xDrive)
- Cooling system needs checking
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
- Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
- 1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips
Pros
- Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
- Compact footprint
- Good headroom
- Bigger boot than the MK1
- Modern E-Tech hybrids available
- Keeps the clever sliding rear bench
Cons
- Firm ride
- Small boot for the class
- PHEV pricier and heavier
- Infotainment can be slow
Driving experience
BMW X1
—
Renault Captur
Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
