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 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while L4 remains close.
L4 starts ZAR 611,600 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · L4 from ZAR 299,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
L4
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
L4108 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
L4225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
L41499 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
L414.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
L4160 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 published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
L4
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
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 stronger published space and capacity figures
L4
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
L4
Model Introduced Year
2019
2026
Generation
Seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series Sedan, with regular 320i, 320d and 330i derivatives and an M340i xDrive M Performance flagship.
First-generation LEPAS L4 compact SUV
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
The L4 launched as the first LEPAS model in South Africa in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Premium Sedan
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
SUV
Spec
3 Series
L4
Length
4714 mm
4406 mm
Width
1827 mm
1820 mm
Height
1440 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
458 l
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
1346 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
1844 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
498 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
1200 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.275 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
1005 mm
Rear Headroom
951 mm
975 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
890 mm
Spec
3 Series
L4
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
B48
SQRE4T15C
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
9.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
77.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
80.5 mm
Maximum Power
285 kW
108 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
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
6-Speed DCT
Top Speed
250 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.3 sec
10.2 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
17.6 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
80.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
167.2 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
L4
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
4.13:1
Number of Gears
8
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Dual clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
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 Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
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
6
Spec
3 Series
L4
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
59
51
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
L4
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
AEB
Yes
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes - front seats
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
3 Series
L4
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Park Assist
Standard
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
3 Series
L4
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Faux leather
Heated Seats
Yes
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Faux leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
6-way power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
4-way manual
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Faux leather
Spec
3 Series
L4
Climate Control
Standard
Climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Standard
Climate control
Spec
3 Series
L4
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
13.2-inch
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
8-inch segment display
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
14.9
13.2-inch
Touchscreen
14.9
13.2-inch
Spec
3 Series
L4
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Rear
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
LEPAS South Africa colour availability varies by derivative and launch allocation.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Standard
Spec
3 Series
L4
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
20.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
28.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
400 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
No
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
18.5 deg
Spec
3 Series
L4
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
215/60 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Temporary T-type spare tyre
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
17-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Spec
3 Series
L4
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson strut independent suspension
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Torsion beam semi-independent suspension
Spec
3 Series
L4
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
159 g/km
Spec
3 Series
L4
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 years / 75,000 km
Spec
3 Series
L4
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
419900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Starting Price
1362500
419900
Starting Price Zar
1362500
419900
Spec
3 Series
L4
Warranty
Yes
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and L4 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 L4 47.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs L4 56.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs L4 92.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs L4 59.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs L4 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 L4 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 13 points
3 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while L4 remains close.
Performance
3 Series +50
Efficiency
L4 +7
Safety
Level
Practicality
3 Series +3
Moderate 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
L4
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
59/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 3 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 64 pts for L4
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 3 Series leads. However, L4 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
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.