BMW X4 vs Renault Austral
BMW X4
BMW’s coupé-SUV (Sports Activity Coupé).
Renault Austral
Renault’s modern compact SUV.
BMW X4
Pick the X4 for a more aggressively styled coupé-SUV with xDrive and strong inline-six engines — trading practical space versus the X3.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Performance
M40i · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid
| BMW X4 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
360 hp
Winner
|
200 hp
|
| Torque |
500 Nm
|
—
|
| 0–100 km/h |
4,8 s
Winner
|
8,4 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
175 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
188,0 hp/t
Winner
|
128,2 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
191 g/km
|
108 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
8,2 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X4 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
525 L
Winner
|
430 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.430 L
|
1.525 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,75 m
|
4,51 m
|
| Width |
1,92 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,62 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X4 | Renault Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F25 (F26) · CLAR (G02) | CMF-CD3 |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N20/N55 · B48/B58 petrol · N47/B47 · B57 diesel | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel | Petrol · Hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 6-speed manual · EDC7 · E-Tech automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N20 timing chain and tensioner (early F26)
- Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks
- EGR cooler recall (B47/B57 diesel)
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Pros
- Aggressive coupé-SUV styling with presence
- Planted xDrive all-wheel drive
- Strong inline-six engines (B58/B57)
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
Cons
- Sloping roof costs headroom and load volume versus the X3
- Firm ride, especially on M Sport adaptive suspension
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
Driving experience
BMW X4
More dynamic and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.
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
