BMW X3 G01 vs Renault Captur MK1
BMW X3
G01 · 2017 – 2024
The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.
Renault Captur
MK1 · 2013 – 2019
The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.
BMW X3
Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Renault Captur
Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol
| BMW X3 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
90 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
135 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,3 s
Winner
|
12,7 s
|
| Top speed |
215 km/h
Winner
|
171 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
105,4 hp/t
Winner
|
83,3 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
154 g/km
|
105 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,8 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X3 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
377 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
Winner
|
1.235 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,61 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,12 m
|
| Ground clearance |
20,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
10,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
900 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | B (modified) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV | 0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
- Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Flexible sliding rear bench
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- 1.2 TCe carries chain risk
- Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2
Driving experience
BMW X3
Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.
Renault Captur
Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
