BMW X3 G01 vs Renault Captur MK2
BMW X3
G01 · 2017 – 2024
The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.
Renault Captur
MK2 · 2019 – 2026
The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.
BMW X3
Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Renault Captur
Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol
| BMW X3 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
100 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
160 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,3 s
Winner
|
13,0 s
|
| Top speed |
215 km/h
Winner
|
178 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
105,4 hp/t
Winner
|
87,7 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
154 g/km
|
115 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,8 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X3 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
422 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,64 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,24 m
|
| Ground clearance |
20,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | CMF-B |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV | 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| 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
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
- Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
- 1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Bigger boot than the MK1
- Modern E-Tech hybrids available
- Keeps the clever sliding rear bench
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- PHEV pricier and heavier
- Infotainment can be slow
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 firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
