BMW X2 F39 vs Renault Austral AUS
BMW X2
F39 · 2017 – 2023
The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.
Renault Austral
AUS · 2022 – 2026
The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.
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.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Performance
sDrive20i · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid
| BMW X2 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
|
200 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
|
—
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,4 s
Winner
|
8,4 s
|
| Top speed |
227 km/h
Winner
|
175 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
118,9 hp/t
|
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
146 g/km
|
108 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,4 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X2 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
470 L
Winner
|
430 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.355 L
|
1.525 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,36 m
|
4,51 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,2 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X2 | 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 petrol · B37/B47 diesel | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic | E-Tech automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Hybrid |
| 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
- 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
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Pros
- 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
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
Cons
- Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
- Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
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 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
