BMW X5 G05 vs Renault Kadjar KAD

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

B58 40i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Renault Kadjar
Power	340 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	450 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	9,6 s
Top speed	243 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t Winner	100,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km	125 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Renault Kadjar
Boot	650 L Winner	472 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L Winner	1.478 L
Wheelbase	2,98 m Winner	2,65 m
Length	4,92 m	4,45 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	—
Turning circle	12,6 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Renault Kadjar
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	CMF-CD
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e 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 Steptronic	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

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Pros

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Renault Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

Driving experience

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.

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.