A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BMW 3 Series vs Volkswagen Amarok: the short answer
3 Series and Amarok are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Amarok starts ZAR 314,700 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · Amarok from ZAR 596,800
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
Amarok
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
Amarok184 kW
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
Amarok600 Nm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
Amarok2993 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
Amarok14.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
Amarok237 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 3 Series
M340i xDrive Sedan
Hagalu editorial rating
4.0/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
3 Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Specification evidence leader
Amarok
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
3 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Amarok
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Model Introduced Year
2019
2010
Generation
Seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series Sedan, with regular 320i, 320d and 330i derivatives and an M340i xDrive M Performance flagship.
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
Major redesign in 2023 introducing new platform, updated engines, and advanced tech
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Pickup
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Premium Sedan
Pickup
Vehicle Type
Car
Pickup
Body Type Cab
-
Pickup
Color Note
-
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
2023 kg
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Length
4714 mm
5350 mm
Width
1827 mm
1910 mm
Height
1440 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
237 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
-
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
2023 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
3190 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
1167 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
12.93 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
-
Rear Headroom
951 mm
-
Front Legroom
1040 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
B48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
2993 cc
Cylinders
6
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
285 kW
184 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
600 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
4WD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
250 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
4.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
91 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
296.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
4x4
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
10
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
4x4
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
Yes
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
10
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
11.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
17.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
14.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
59
80
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
360 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
Not Applicable
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Cloth
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Cloth
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Cup Holders
-
Standard
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Premium interior layout, large infotainment screen, digital cockpit, advanced driver assistance systems
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Climate Control
Standard
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
AC Type
Standard
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
1624 mm
Load Bed Width
-
1227 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Speed Limiter
-
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
6.9
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Speed Alert System
-
Adjustable speed limiter
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bottle Holders
-
Standard
Centre Console
-
Standard
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Length Mm
-
1624 mm
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Width Mm
-
1227 mm
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Rear Step Bumper
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
amarok
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Tie Down Hooks
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Tow Bar Type
-
Bakkie towing support
Towbar
-
Bakkie towing support
Trailer Hitch
-
Bakkie towing support
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
14.9
SYNC
Touchscreen
14.9
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
14.9
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
6
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Body Type
-
Pickup
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
237 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
237 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
182 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Idle CO2 Output
-
182
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
182
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
South Africa market model
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
1259700 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
1362500
1259700
Starting Price Zar
1362500
1259700
Spec
3 Series
Amarok
Warranty
Yes
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
Yes
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and Amarok comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 3 Series 97 vs Amarok 91.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs Amarok 57.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs Amarok 82.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs Amarok 87.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs Amarok not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
3 Series and Amarok image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Amarok leads by 4 points
3 Series and Amarok are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
3 Series +6
Efficiency
Amarok +8
Safety
3 Series +10
Practicality
Amarok +25
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Amarok
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
87/100
3 Series
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Amarok
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 77 pts for 3 Series
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Amarok leads. However, 3 Series may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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