At a Glance
Power
590hp @ 8000
473hp @ 6250
Torque
586lb-ft @ 5000
406lb-ft @ 2650
Engine
—
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the BMW I5 and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW I5 delivers 590hp @ 8000 while the BMW M3 produces 473hp @ 6250. Pricing starts at $84,100 for the I5 and $78,400 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 (hp)
590hp @ 8000
473hp @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft)
586lb-ft @ 5000
406lb-ft @ 2650
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
—
6
Fuel Type
Electric
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
1
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
16 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
—
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.2in
189.1in
Width (in)
74.8in
74.3in
Height (in)
59.6in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5247lbs
3840lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M3
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
M3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW I5
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price ($78,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the I5 or M3?
The I5 produces 590hp @ 8000 and 586lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the M3 delivers 473hp @ 6250 and 406lb-ft @ 2650 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the I5 and M3?
The I5 starts from $84,100 and the M3 from $78,400. The M3 is cheaper by $5,700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the I5 or the M3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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