VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
160 kW
Torque
500 Nm
engine 221 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
8.9 s
Engine
2998 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus ES is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 285 kW while the Lexus ES produces 160 kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 8.0 l/100km while the ES uses 4.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 377 107 for the 3 Series and R925 400 for the ES. 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.
Performance
Power Output
285 kW
160 kW
Torque
500 Nm
engine 221 Nm
0-100 kph
4.3 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
104 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4714 mm
4975 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1865 mm
Height
1440 mm
1445 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2870 mm
Ground Clearance
—
158 mm
Kerb Weight
1725 DIN / 1770 EU Kg
1740 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
454 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
550 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
ES
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Lexus ES
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R925 400)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or ES?
The 3 Series uses 8.0 l/100km and the ES uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or ES?
The 3 Series produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the ES delivers 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and ES?
The 3 Series starts from R1 377 107 and the ES from R925 400. The ES is cheaper by R451 707 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or ES?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the ES can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the ES?
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.