BMW X3 G01 vs Renault Koleos KOL
BMW X3
G01 · 2017 – 2024
The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size 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 Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| BMW X3 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
|
340 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,3 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
215 km/h
Winner
|
194 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
105,4 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
154 g/km
|
128 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,8 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X3 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
458 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
|
1.690 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
20,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
11,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
|
2.000 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
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
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
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 Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
