BMW I5 vs BMW M3: Specs, Price & Fuel (2024)

Q: 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. The M3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

BMW I5 trimBMW M3 trim

BMW I5

Edrive40 M Sport

From R1 812 000

View Full Specs →

BMW M3

Xdrive Competition (g80)

From R2 213 002

View Full Specs →

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 car buyers in South Africa 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

—

Fuel Type

electric

petrol

Forced Induction Device

—

turbocharger

Transmission

automatic

Number of Gears

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

Seats

Load Volume

490 l

480 l

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

1500 Kg

Load Capacity

610 lkg

480 lkg

Safety

ABS

✓ Standard

EBD

✓ Standard

Brake Assist

✓ Standard

Stability Control

✓ Standard

Traction Control

✓ Standard

Airbag Count

Driver Airbag

✓ Standard

Passenger Airbag

✓ Standard

Side Airbags Front

✓ Standard

Curtain Airbags

✓ Standard

Features & Tech

Air Conditioning

✓ Standard

Climate Control

✓ Standard

Cruise Control

Optional

✓ Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control

Optional

✓ Standard

Bluetooth

✓ Standard

Satellite Navigation

✓ Standard

Reversing Camera

Optional

✓ Standard

Park Distance Rear

✓ Standard

Park Distance Front

✓ Standard

Sunroof

Optional

Heated Seats

✓ Standard

Keyless Entry

✓ Standard

Tow Bar

Optional

—

Alloy Wheels

✓ Standard

Warranty & Service

Warranty Period

2 vehicle / 8 battery

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

Tie

2 / 4 categories

Performance

Fuel Economy

Value

Practicality

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. The M3 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 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.

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