BMW X1 F48 vs Renault Kadjar KAD
BMW X1
F48 · 2015 – 2022
The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).
Renault Kadjar
KAD · 2015 – 2022
The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Renault Kadjar
Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| BMW X1 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
Winner
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
9,6 s
|
| Top speed |
226 km/h
Winner
|
205 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
127,6 hp/t
Winner
|
100,0 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
|
125 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
505 L
Winner
|
472 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.550 L
Winner
|
1.478 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,65 m
|
| Length |
4,44 m
|
4,45 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 Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi |
| 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
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
- Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes
Pros
- Spacious cabin & big boot
- Efficient engines
- Practical and family-friendly
- Roomy boot and comfortable ride
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Firm ride (run-flat)
- Less playful due to front-wheel drive
- 1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
- Interior less modern than newer rivals
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 Kadjar
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
