BMW X1 vs Renault Megane E-Tech
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Level at 75: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 23 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
BMW X1
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$61,800
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 115kW
- Economy
- 6.5 L/100kmWLTP test cycle, not directly comparable with ADR 81/02 figures
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 540L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Renault Megane E-Tech
18 of 27 standard · no option data · 9 no dataFrom
$50,000
est. RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 160kW
- Energy use
- 16 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 440L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$61,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$50,000est. RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
BMW X1 sDrive18i
$61,800
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $263 a week in repayments ($61,800 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Renault Megane E-Tech Techno
$50,000
Estimated RRP (the brand lists drive-away prices only), before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
$54,990 drive-away in VIC, as published by Renault Australia
About $231 a week in repayments ($54,990 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Renault Megane E-Tech currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The BMW X1 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$231/wk(≈$1,002/mo)
Estimate on the Renault Megane E-Tech at $54,990 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Renault Megane E-TechDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X1 and Renault Megane E-Tech hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 85% for the Renault Megane E-Tech.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Renault Megane E-Tech, against 5 on the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 7 in the Renault Megane E-Tech.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 5 of 10 key systems on the BMW X1 and 7 on the Renault Megane E-Tech.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
BMW X1
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006063 · published 30 Aug 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, liquid may enter the electrical water pump connectors.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2018
- 5 more on the model page.
Renault Megane E-Tech
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
55kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 130kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Renault Megane E-Tech gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Renault Megane E-Tech. The Renault Megane E-Tech counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, BOSE audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Renault Megane E-Tech offers synthetic leather.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Renault Megane E-Tech responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Renault Megane E-Tech has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Renault Megane E-Tech is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 300mm longer than the Renault Megane E-Tech at 4,200mm (2,685mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 440L in the Renault Megane E-Tech, giving the BMW X1 a 100L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X1 leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Renault Megane E-Tech's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.3 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and electricity for the Renault Megane E-Tech about $768 a year (16 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 5 years / Unlimited (Renault Megane E-Tech).
Where each one leads
The BMW X1: the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 440L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,700kg against 900kg).
The Renault Megane E-Tech: more power (160kW against 115kW).
The Verdict
Level at 75: here's what splits them
The BMW X1 and Renault Megane E-Tech are level on the CarSorted Score at 75 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: practicality (BMW X1 ahead by 14 points), performance (Renault Megane E-Tech ahead by 8 points), value (Renault Megane E-Tech ahead by 6 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 440L in the Renault Megane E-Tech.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$231/wk(≈$1,002/mo)
Estimate on the Renault Megane E-Tech at $54,990 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Renault Megane E-TechDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and Renault Megane E-Tech?
The Renault Megane E-Tech is the cheapest at $50,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $11,800.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BMW X1 and Renault Megane E-Tech all hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2022). Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X1 has the largest boot at 540L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Megane E-Tech makes the most power at 160kW. The Renault Megane E-Tech is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
Track the BMW X1 & Renault Megane E-Tech
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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