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.
3 Series and Fortuner are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Fortuner starts ZAR 225,600 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · Fortuner from ZAR 685,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
Fortuner
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
Fortuner150 kW
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
Fortuner500 Nm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
Fortuner2755 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
Fortuner13.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
Fortuner279 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)
Specification evidence leader
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
Fortuner
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
Fortuner
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
Fortuner
Model Introduced Year
2019
2006
Generation
Seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series Sedan, with regular 320i, 320d and 330i derivatives and an M340i xDrive M Performance flagship.
Currently sold Fortuner belongs to the second generation with periodic feature and safety upgrades
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
Major updates in 2016 (new generation) and feature refreshes in 2021 with improved infotainment, safety tech, and design tweaks
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Sedan
SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Dark Green, Grey
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.8 GD-6 4X4 GR-Sport 6AT
Tare Mass Kg
-
GVM 2735 kg; Toyota SA does not publish tare mass
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Length
4714 mm
4795 mm
Width
1827 mm
1855 mm
Height
1440 mm
1835 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2745 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
279 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
541 l
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
1946 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
2735 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
493 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
2800 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.8 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
1015 mm
Rear Headroom
951 mm
979 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1048 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
928 mm
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
2.8-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
B48
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
2755 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
285 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
500 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
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.3 sec
8.2 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
16.2 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
220 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
Fortuner
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Ladder frame
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
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
4WD / AWD
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
6
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
13.2 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
15.4 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
13.2 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
Fortuner
Airbags
6
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
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
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Driver knee airbag
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
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
Fortuner
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
5
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Premium dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, comfortable seating, climate control
Interior Colours
-
5
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
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
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Side Steps
-
Standard/available
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
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
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Side Step
-
Standard/available
Source Model Column
-
fortuner
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
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
Not Available
Touchscreen
14.9
Not Available
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
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
5
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
2
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
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
-
279 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
279 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
Fortuner
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
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
9 services / 90 000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
9 services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Duration
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
9 services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Distance
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
9 services / 90 000 km
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
South Africa market model
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
999000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
Starting Price
1362500
999000
Starting Price Zar
1362500
999000
Spec
3 Series
Fortuner
Warranty
Yes
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Years
Yes
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
Yes
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Basic Warranty
Yes
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and Fortuner 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 Fortuner 79.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs Fortuner 56.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs Fortuner 89.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs Fortuner 84.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs Fortuner 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 Fortuner 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 4 points
3 Series and Fortuner are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
3 Series +18
Efficiency
Fortuner +7
Safety
3 Series +3
Practicality
Fortuner +22
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
3 Series
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
Fortuner
Performance
79/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
84/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 3 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 73 pts for Fortuner
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 3 Series leads. However, Fortuner 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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