BMW X1 F48 vs Renault Arkana ARK

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

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 (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 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

B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Renault Arkana
Power	192 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	280 Nm Winner	260 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	9,8 s
Top speed	226 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	127,6 hp/t Winner	105,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	134 g/km	132 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Renault Arkana
Boot	505 L Winner	480 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,72 m Winner
Length	4,44 m	4,57 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	750 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Renault Arkana
Platform	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels

Renault Arkana

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

Pros

BMW X1

Spacious cabin & big boot
Efficient engines
Practical and family-friendly

Renault Arkana

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

Cons

BMW X1

Firm ride (run-flat)
Less playful due to front-wheel drive

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Driving experience

BMW X1

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.

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.