BMW X2 F39 vs Renault Arkana ARK

BMW X2

F39 · 2017 – 2023

The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.

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 X2

Pick the F39 if you want coupé style and sporty driving in a compact crossover — accepting a smaller boot and tighter rear headroom than the X1.

Best engine: The B48 20i (192 hp) — the sweet spot.

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

sDrive20i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW X2	Renault Arkana
Power	192 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	280 Nm Winner	260 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,4 s Winner	9,8 s
Top speed	227 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	118,9 hp/t Winner	105,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	146 g/km	132 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,4 L/100km	5,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X2	Renault Arkana
Boot	470 L	480 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.355 L	1.500 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,72 m Winner
Length	4,36 m	4,57 m
Ground clearance	18,2 cm	—
Turning circle	11,3 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	750 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X2	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 petrol · B37/B47 diesel	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145
Transmission	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X2

B48 oil-filter housing gasket leaks and possible coolant-oil mixing
B47 EGR cooler: fire-risk recall (verify completed)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

Renault Arkana

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

Pros

BMW X2

B48 20i (192 hp) is refined, responsive and the sweet spot
M35i (306 hp) delivers hot-hatch pace in a crossover
Quick, direct steering — drives like a raised hot hatch

Renault Arkana

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

Cons

BMW X2

Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Driving experience

BMW X2

The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.

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.