At a Glance
Power
442 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
820 Nm
400Nm@3900
Fuel
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
12.3L/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1700kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
5.1s
Engine
electric cc
3999cc
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 442 kW while the BMW M3 produces 309kW@8300. On fuel, the I5 returns 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km while the M3 uses 12.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 080 000 for the I5 and R1 094 150 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
442 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
820 Nm
400Nm@3900
0-100 kph
3.8 s
5.1s
Top Speed
230 Km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
3999cc
Engine Layout
—
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
—
8
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
7
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
12.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
81.2 kWh l
63L
CO2 Emissions
-
295g/km
Dimensions
Length
5060 mm
4615mm
Width
1900-2156 mm
1804-1804mm
Height
1505 mm
1392mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2761mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
143mm
Kerb Weight
2305 DIN / 2380 EU Kg
1830kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
490 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1700kg
Load Capacity
590 lkg
350kg
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
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
I5
Fuel Economy
M3
Value
M3
Practicality
I5
Pros & Cons
BMW I5
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 094 150)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I5 or M3?
The I5 uses 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km and the M3 uses 12.3L/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 442 kW and 820 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque. The I5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the I5 and M3?
The I5 starts from R2 080 000 and the M3 from R1 094 150. The M3 is cheaper by R985 850 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 2000 Kg and the M3 can tow 1700kg. 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.
Also Consider