BMW X3 G01 vs Renault Kadjar KAD
BMW X3
G01 · 2017 – 2024
The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.
Renault Kadjar
KAD · 2015 – 2022
The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
BMW X3
Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
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 X3 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,3 s
Winner
|
9,6 s
|
| Top speed |
215 km/h
Winner
|
205 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
105,4 hp/t
Winner
|
100,0 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
154 g/km
|
125 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,8 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X3 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
472 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
Winner
|
1.478 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,65 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,45 m
|
| Ground clearance |
20,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e 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
- 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/X-tronic: juddery 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
- Roomy boot and comfortable ride
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- 1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
- Interior less modern than newer rivals
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 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
