VS
At a Glance
Power
389hp
503hp @ 6250
Torque
435lb-ft
479lb-ft @ 2750
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 389hp while the BMW M3 produces 503hp @ 6250. Pricing starts at $70,100 for the I5 and $82,600 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)
389hp
503hp @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft)
435lb-ft
479lb-ft @ 2750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
—
6
Fuel Type
Electric
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
1
8
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)
5187lbs
3891lbs
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
✓ 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 I5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
I5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
I5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW I5
Lower starting price ($70,100)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW M3
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the I5 or M3?
The I5 produces 389hp and 435lb-ft of torque while the M3 delivers 503hp @ 6250 and 479lb-ft @ 2750 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the I5 and M3?
The I5 starts from $70,100 and the M3 from $82,600. The I5 is cheaper by $12,500 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