BMW X1 F48 vs Renault Austral AUS
BMW X1
F48 · 2015 – 2022
The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).
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
B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid
| BMW X1 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
|
200 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
|
—
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
8,4 s
|
| Top speed |
226 km/h
Winner
|
175 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
127,6 hp/t
|
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
|
108 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
505 L
Winner
|
430 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.550 L
Winner
|
1.525 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,44 m
|
4,51 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD3 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | E-Tech automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Hybrid |
| 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
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Pros
- Spacious cabin & big boot
- Efficient engines
- Practical and family-friendly
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
Cons
- Firm ride (run-flat)
- Less playful due to front-wheel drive
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
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 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
