VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
390 kW
Torque
430 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
10.2 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
6.0 s
3.5 s
Engine
electric cc
2993 cc
Choosing between the BMW i5 and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW i5 delivers 250 kW while the BMW M3 produces 390 kW. On fuel, the i5 returns 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km while the M3 uses 10.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 812 000 for the i5 and R2 213 002 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.
Performance
Power Output
250 kW
390 kW
Torque
430 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
6.0 s
3.5 s
Top Speed
193 Km/h
290 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2993 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
6
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
10.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
81.2 kWh l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
—
232 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5060 mm
4794 mm
Width
1900-2156 mm
1903-2068 mm
Height
1515 mm
1433 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2857 mm
Ground Clearance
154 mm
120 mm
Kerb Weight
2130 DIN / 2205 EU Kg
1770 DIN / 1855 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
490 l
480 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
610 l
480 l
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW i5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
i5
Practicality
i5
Pros & Cons
BMW i5
Lower starting price (R1 812 000)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Less power than rival (250 kW vs 390 kW)
BMW M3
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i5 or M3?
The i5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km and the M3 uses 10.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the i5 or M3?
The i5 produces 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the i5 and M3?
The i5 starts from R1 812 000 and the M3 from R2 213 002. The i5 is cheaper by R401 002 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i5 or M3?
The i5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the M3 can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i5 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.