VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
250 kW
Torque
400 Nm
430 Nm
Fuel
4.9 l/100km
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
6.0 s
Engine
1995 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the BMW I5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 140 kW while the BMW I5 produces 250 kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 4.9 l/100km while the I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 017 377 for the 3 Series and R1 812 000 for the I5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 3 Series320d M Sport A/T (g20) 2024 - From R1 017 377
BMW I5Edrive40 M Sport 2024 - From R1 812 000
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
250 kW
Torque
400 Nm
430 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
6.0 s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
193 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.9 l/100km
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
81.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
5060 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1900-2156 mm
Height
1440 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
154 mm
Kerb Weight
1595 DIN / 1670 EU Kg
2130 DIN / 2205 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
570 lkg
610 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
I5
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
3 Series
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Lower starting price (R1 017 377)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 250 kW)
BMW I5
More powerful engine (250 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or I5?
The 3 Series uses 4.9 l/100km and the I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The 3 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or I5?
The 3 Series produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the I5 delivers 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The I5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and I5?
The 3 Series starts from R1 017 377 and the I5 from R1 812 000. The 3 Series is cheaper by R794 623 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or I5?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the I5 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the I5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider