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Renault Clio vs BMW 3 Series Saloon comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 530 HP), boot space and price (17,100 £ vs 39,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Clio or BMW 3 Series Saloon?

Renault Clio vs BMW 3 Series Saloon: Key differences

Renault Clio

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly lighter

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably more trunk space

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Clio

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Renault Clio is considerably cheaper – starting at 17,100 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22,885 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Renault Clio with 4.1 L/100km. The difference is about 1.7 L/100km.

3 Series Saloon

Engine and Performance:

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 3 Series Saloon offers significantly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 372 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Renault Clio takes 8.3 s. That’s about 4.8 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly faster – reaching 250 km/h, while the Renault Clio tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 190 Nm. That’s about 510 Nm more.

Clio

Space and Everyday Use:

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 Clio is clearly lighter – 1,202 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 373 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers noticeably more boot space – 480 L compared to 327 L. That’s a difference of about 153 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries marginally more – 495 kg compared to 463 kg. That’s a difference of about 32 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon holds a decisive overall lead 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.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
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View detailed analysis

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View detailed analysis

Renault Clio

The Clio punches above its weight with chic French styling and a surprisingly grown-up cabin that makes city driving feel effortlessly stylish. It's an easy-to-live-with choice that keeps ownership simple and even manages to put a grin on your face when the traffic gets dull.

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Reviews Renault Clio

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
technoman
31 Mar 2026, 08:36:27

Having owned a clio now for the last 8 years we have found the 0.9ltr engine to work well both around town and on motorways . Averaging around 45mpg on mixed driving. The 3 cylinder engine has no cambelt to worry about . Interior has worked and worn well . No defects at all during owner ship BUT the striking red paintwork (metallic) is showing deterioration and is expensive to put right and this would be the only reason for dropping a star off the rating . There are two main services on the car an A and a B service. All they do on the A service is change the cabin filter and do the usual safety checks which costa around £120 the second B service is oil and filter change around £230 but at 36000 miles need air filter and brake fluid change which can add another £120

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Renault Clio
BMW 3 Series Saloon

Costs and Consumption
Price
17,100 - 23,700 £
Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 5.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.5 kWh
co2
92 - 115 g/km
co2
54 - 227 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
39 - 42 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,202 - 1,316 kg
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
301 - 327 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Length
4,116 mm
Length
4,713 mm
Width
1,768 mm
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Height
1,451 mm
Height
1,440 - 1,446 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,094 - 1,176 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
453 - 463 kg
Payload
405 - 495 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Torque
190 Nm
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3

General
Model Year
2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
Brand
Renault
Brand
BMW
What drivetrain options does the Renault Clio have?

The Renault Clio is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.