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.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Amaze
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
3 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Amaze
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Model Introduced Year
2019
2018
Generation
Seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series Sedan, with regular 320i, 320d and 330i derivatives and an M340i xDrive M Performance flagship.
Based on Honda’s compact car platform optimized for affordability, efficiency, and ease of use
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
Introduced in South Africa as a practical entry sedan with minor updates over time in features and safety
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Sedan
Sedan
Vehicle Type
Car
Sedan
Color Note
-
White, Silver, Grey, Red, Blue
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
954 kg
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Length
4714 mm
3995 mm
Width
1827 mm
1695 mm
Height
1440 mm
1498 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
170 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
35 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
420 l
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
954 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
1380 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
426 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
900 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
4.9 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
990 mm
Rear Headroom
951 mm
920 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
770 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
920 mm
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
B48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
1199 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct injection
Multi-Point Injection
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
66 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
110 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
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
CVT
Top Speed
250 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.3 sec
14.5 sec
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
67.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
112.2 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
Amaze
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
CVT Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
CVT Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
5
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
18.2 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
14 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
19 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
35 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
18.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
59
35
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
Amaze
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
2
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
2
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
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Not Available
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
2
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
2
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
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
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
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
Rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
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
Auto Lights
-
Halogen Projector
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Rear
Parking Sensor
-
Rear
Pre-Collision System
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Surround View Camera
Yes
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Premium Fabric
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
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Manual
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Premium Fabric
Seat Adjustment
-
Manual
Steering Type
-
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
5
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Fabric Seats
-
Premium Fabric
Driver Seat
-
Manual
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Functional cabin with touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity, comfortable seating, and practical storage spaces
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Premium Fabric
Interior Colours
-
5
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Climate Control
Standard
Manual
Power Windows
Standard
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Remote Key
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
AC Type
Standard
Manual
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
Halogen Projector
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
420 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Climate Zones
-
Manual
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
All Doors
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Not Available
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
24 Months
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.5
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Panoramic Roof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Power Mirrors
-
All Doors
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Premium Fabric
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt
Voice Command
-
Not Available
Voice Command Support
-
Not Available
Accelerator 0 100
-
14.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Standard
Manual
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Common Rail Injection
-
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Remote Key
Lift Gate
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Manual Aircon
-
Manual
Mirror
-
All Doors
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Remote Key
Powered Tailgate
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Key
Rim Size
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
15-inch Wheel Covers
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Not Available
Sonar
-
Rear
Sound System
6
4
Source Model Column
-
amaze
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
TPMS
Standard
Not Available
Trim Level
-
top
Unlocking
Comfort Access
Remote Key
Variant Role
-
Core range derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Remote Key
Walk Away Lock
-
Remote Key
Wireless Charger
Standard
Wireless
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
7-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
14.9
7-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
14.9
7-inch Touchscreen
Navigation System
-
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Voice Recognition
-
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
14.9
7-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
-
7-inch Touchscreen
Audio Speakers
6
4
Audio System
-
4
Display Audio
-
7-inch Touchscreen
Connected Services
-
Standard
Voice Control
-
Not Available
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Front
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
5
Headlights
Standard
Halogen Projector
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
-
15-inch Wheel Covers
Roof Type
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
Sedan
DRL
Standard
LED
Fog Lights
-
Front
Front Fog Lights
-
Front
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen Projector
Auto Headlights
-
Halogen Projector
Automatic Headlamps
-
Halogen Projector
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
-
5
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
All Doors
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Front
Headlamp Levelling
-
Halogen Projector
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen Projector
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen Projector
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
16 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
18 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
300 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
16 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
18 deg
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
170 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
170 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
300 mm
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
175/65 R15
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
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
15-inch Wheel Covers
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Wheel Type
-
15-inch Wheel Covers
Brake Type Front
-
Disc
Brake Type Rear
-
Drum
Tyre Type
-
175/65 R15
Wheel Diameter
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
15-inch Wheel Covers
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Not Available
Brakes
-
Disc
Cornering Brake Control
-
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Wheel Material
-
15-inch Wheel Covers
Wheels
-
15-inch Wheel Covers
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Torsion Beam
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric Power Steering
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Spring Type
-
MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type
-
Torsion Beam
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
Front Suspension Type
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
-
Torsion Beam
Rear Suspension Type
M Sports Suspension
Torsion Beam
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
122 g/km
Start Stop System
-
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 5
Idle CO2 Output
-
122
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
122
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
24 Months
Service Interval
-
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
-
Low
Battery Warranty
-
24 Months
Maintenance Plan
-
24 Months
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10000 km / 12 months
Service Plan Duration
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
24 Months
Service Plan Distance
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
24 Months
Service Intervals
-
10000 km / 12 months
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Top
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
289900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
1362500
289900
Starting Price Zar
1362500
289900
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Warranty
Yes
3
Warranty Years
Yes
3
Warranty Kilometers
Yes
3
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Basic Warranty
Yes
3
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Spec
3 Series
Amaze
Real-world City Mileage Min
-
14 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
-
17 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
-
18 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
-
21 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
22
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and Amaze 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 Amaze 26.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs Amaze 69.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs Amaze 50.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs Amaze 56.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs Amaze 43.
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 Amaze 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
3 Series leads by 29 points
3 Series has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Amaze.
Performance
3 Series +71
Efficiency
Amaze +20
Safety
3 Series +42
Practicality
3 Series +6
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
3 Series
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
Amaze
Performance
26/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
50/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 3 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 48 pts for Amaze
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 3 Series leads. However, Amaze 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.
Compare
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