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 P300 remains close.
P300 starts ZAR 496,550 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · P300 from ZAR 414,950
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
P300
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
P300135 kW
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
P300480 Nm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
P3002400 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
P30013.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
P300224 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
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
P300
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
3 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
P300
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
P300
Model Introduced Year
2019
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series Sedan, with regular 320i, 320d and 330i derivatives and an M340i xDrive M Performance flagship.
Current South African P300 listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Double-cab pickup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Premium Sedan
Pickup
Vehicle Type
Car
Pickup
Body Type Cab
-
Pickup
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.4T LT 2WD 9AT
Tare Mass Kg
-
2070 kg
Spec
3 Series
P300
Length
4714 mm
5416 mm
Width
1827 mm
1934 mm
Height
1440 mm
1886 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
3230 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
224 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
78 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
450 l
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
2070 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
3120 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
1050 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
3000 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
6.0 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
951 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
3 Series
P300
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
2.4-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
B48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
2400 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
Turbocharged
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
135 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
480 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
Not Officially Disclosed
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
65.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
231.9 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
P300
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
4x2
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
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
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
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
Two-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
9
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
P300
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
13.5 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
15.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
78 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
13.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
59
78
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
P300
Airbags
6
Dual front, front side and curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
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
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Not Available
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
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
P300
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
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
P300
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
Instrument Cluster Type
-
7-inch
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen P300 grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
3 Series
P300
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
Standard
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
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
5
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
7-inch
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Rear Step Bumper
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
p300
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
-
Bakkie towing support
Trim Level
-
top
Variant Role
-
Mid-to-high value derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
P300
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
7-inch
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
14.9
12.3
Touchscreen
14.9
12.3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
14.9
12.3
Infotainment Display
-
12.3
Multi Information Display
-
7-inch
Connected Services
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
P300
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
3
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Body Type
-
Pickup
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
P300
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
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
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
224 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
224 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
Spec
3 Series
P300
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
Spec
3 Series
P300
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
P300
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
3 Series
P300
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Interval
-
10000
Approx Service Cost
-
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
-
8 Years / 160,000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10,000 km
First Service At
-
5000
Service Plan Duration
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Plan Distance
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Yes
Alternator
-
110A
Service Intervals
-
10000
Spec
3 Series
P300
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Top
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
599900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
1362500
599900
Starting Price Zar
1362500
599900
Spec
3 Series
P300
Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Years
Yes
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
Yes
5 Years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
Yes
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and P300 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 P300 71.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs P300 57.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs P300 not separately scored.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs P300 80.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs P300 65.
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 P300 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 8 points
3 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while P300 remains close.
Performance
3 Series +26
Efficiency
P300 +8
Practicality
P300 +18
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
P300
Performance
71/100
Efficiency
57/100
Practicality
80/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 3 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 69 pts for P300
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 3 Series leads. However, P300 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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