Compare performance (398 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or Renault Rafale?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The automotive world is witness to a captivating clash of titans with the BMW X3 and the newly introduced Renault Rafale. Both SUVs epitomize style, performance, and innovation, yet they cater to different palettes in the car enthusiast community. Let's take a deep dive into their specifications, technology, and what sets them apart.
Under the hood, the BMW X3 offers a wide range of engine options, including diesel and petrol mild hybrids, a plug-in hybrid, and pure petrol engines. With power output ranging from 184 HP to a high-performance 510 HP, the X3 provides versatility to match different driving moods. Acceleration varies from 3.8 seconds to 8.4 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, indicative of its broad spectrum of performance capabilities.
The Renault Rafale, however, captures attention with its hybrid core, offering a cohesive blend of power and efficiency. With two prominent engine options, delivering 200 HP and 300 HP, clocking 8.9 seconds and 6.4 seconds respectively from 0 to 100 km/h, it promises an impressive driving experience with a nod towards eco-friendliness.
For environmentally conscious drivers, the Rafale's full hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants offer remarkable fuel efficiencies of 4.7 L/100 km and 0.6 L/100 km, alongside commendable CO2 emissions ratings of 106 g/km and 14 g/km, respectively. The electric range of 97 km further ensures reduced carbon footprints for the daily commuter.
The BMW X3, with its versatile engine lineup, incorporates sustainability with an electric range up to 90 km for its plug-in hybrid variant, boasting a consumption rate as low as 2.1 L/100 km. It presents a revised CO2 efficiency across engine variations, appealing to the eco-conscious consumer.
Both SUVs conform to sleek, modern design philosophies that highlight their brand identities. The X3 spans a length of up to 4755 mm, a width of 1920 mm, and a height reaching 1669 mm, combining robust German engineering with elegance and utility.
Meanwhile, the Rafale dresses in sleeker dimensions at 4710 mm in length, 1886 mm in width, and a height of 1613 mm, conveying a dynamic presence while optimizing space efficiency for heightened urban maneuverability.
Inside, the Renault Rafale takes a practical lead with a trunk capacity stretching to 627 L, while the X3 offers between 450 L and 570 L, dependent on the model type. Both provide comfortable seating for five, blending luxury with functionality, yet Renault edges slightly ahead in cargo versatility.
Both vehicles are fitted with cutting-edge technology. The BMW X3 integrates advanced infotainment systems and driver assistance innovations, staying true to its tagline of "The Ultimate Driving Machine." Its all-wheel-drive capability also enhances its rugged appeal for those seeking adventure beyond the asphalt.
Renault's commitment to technology in the Rafale is evident with its seamless automatic transmission and energy recuperation technology, capitalizing significantly on fuel economy and driving smoothness, crafting an ideal balance for the eco-enthusiast.
The decision between the BMW X3 and Renault Rafale comes down to personal preference and driving priorities. The X3 offers more powertrain diversity and a premium performance edge, while the Rafale firmly stands with its hybrid efficiency and cargo practicality. Potential buyers must weigh their desire for performance against their need for environmental mindfulness. In the end, both SUVs offer compelling packages that set the bar high in the modern automotive landscape.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Renault Rafale is clearly cheaper – starting at 37,700 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,971 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the BMW X3 with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Renault Rafale offers very slightly more range – reaching up to 97 km, about 9 km more than the BMW X3.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the BMW X3 offers clearly more power – delivering 398 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 98 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X3 is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Renault Rafale takes 6.4 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Renault Rafale is moderately lighter – 1,734 kg compared to 1,930 kg. The difference is around 196 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers barely more boot space – 627 L compared to 570 L. That’s a difference of about 57 L.
When it comes to payload, the BMW X3 carries markedly more – 570 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 126 kg.
The BMW X3 is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BMW X3 mixes Bavarian poise with everyday practicality, delivering a composed ride and a cabin that feels both premium and lived-in. It’s the sort of SUV that lets you enjoy sporty handling without sacrificing family-friendly space, so you get fun and sense in one neat package.
details
The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.
details
Costs and Consumption |
|
|---|---|
|
Price
51,700 - 73,000 £
|
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
|
|
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
|
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
|
|
Consumption kWh/100km
-
|
Consumption kWh/100km
-
|
|
Electric Range
88 km
|
Electric Range
97 km
|
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
|
co2
64 - 175 g/km
|
co2
43 - 109 g/km
|
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Dimensions and Body |
|
|---|---|
|
Body Type
SUV
|
Body Type
SUV
|
|
Seats
5
|
Seats
5
|
|
Doors
-
|
Doors
-
|
|
Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
|
Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
|
|
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
|
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
|
|
Length
-
|
Length
-
|
|
Width
1,920 mm
|
Width
1,886 mm
|
|
Height
-
|
Height
-
|
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
|
Payload
570 kg
|
Payload
415 - 444 kg
|
Engine and Performance |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
|
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
|
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
|
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
|
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
|
|
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
|
|
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
|
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
|
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
|
|
Max Speed
-
|
Max Speed
-
|
|
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
|
Torque
-
|
|
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
|
Number of Cylinders
3
|
|
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
|
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
|
|
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
|
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
|
General |
|
|---|---|
|
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
|
Model Year
2025
|
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
|
|
Brand
BMW
|
Brand
Renault
|
Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España