VS
At a Glance
Power
210 kW
330kW@8400
Torque
650 Nm
420Nm@3900
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
11.2L/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
4.5s
Engine
2993 cc
3999cc
Choosing between the BMW 7 Series and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 7 Series delivers 210 kW while the BMW M3 produces 330kW@8400. On fuel, the 7 Series returns 6.9 l/100km while the M3 uses 11.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 497 607 for the 7 Series and R1 194 963 for the M3. 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 7 Series740d Xdrive M Sport (g70) 2022 - From R2 497 607
BMW M3Coupe Frozen Edition 2010 - From R1 194 963
Performance
Power Output
210 kW
330kW@8400
Torque
650 Nm
420Nm@3900
0-100 kph
6.3 s
4.5s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
3999cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
11.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
15.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.5L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
74 l
63L
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
263g/km
Dimensions
Length
5391 mm
4615mm
Width
1950-2192 mm
1804-1976mm
Height
1544 mm
1424mm
Wheelbase
3215 mm
2761mm
Ground Clearance
—
-
Kerb Weight
2180 DIN / 2255 EU Kg
1600kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5 (opt 4)
4
Load Volume
540 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
-
Load Capacity
800 lkg
450kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
DRIVER
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
7 Series
Value
M3
Practicality
7 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 Series
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 194 963)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.2L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 Series or M3?
The 7 Series uses 6.9 l/100km and the M3 uses 11.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The 7 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 7 Series or M3?
The 7 Series produces 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 330kW@8400 and 420Nm@3900 of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 7 Series and M3?
The 7 Series starts from R2 497 607 and the M3 from R1 194 963. The M3 is cheaper by R1 302 644 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 7 Series or M3?
The 7 Series has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the M3 can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 7 Series or the M3?
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