BMW X1 E84 vs Renault Koleos KOL
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
N20 20i · Petrol vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| BMW X1 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
270 Nm
|
340 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
Winner
|
194 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,1 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
168 g/km
|
128 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,7 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
420 L
|
458 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.350 L
|
1.690 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,76 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
11,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i) | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
- Transfer case (xDrive)
- Cooling system needs checking
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
- Compact footprint
- Good headroom
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- Firm ride
- Small boot for the class
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
Driving experience
BMW X1
—
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
