BMW X3 vs Renault Austral
BMW X3
BMW’s mid-size premium SUV.
Renault Austral
Renault’s modern compact SUV.
BMW X3
Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid
| BMW X3 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
200 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
|
—
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,3 s
Winner
|
8,4 s
|
| Top speed |
215 km/h
Winner
|
175 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
105,4 hp/t
|
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
154 g/km
|
108 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,8 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X3 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
430 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
Winner
|
1.525 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,51 m
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,68 m
|
1,62 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the 5 Series) | CMF-CD3 |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 6-speed manual · EDC7 · E-Tech automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d allowed in the LEZ |
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
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Pros
- Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
- Big boot (550 l) & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
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 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.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
