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 Polo remains close.
Polo starts ZAR 537,700 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · Polo from ZAR 373,800
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
Polo
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
Polo147 kW
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
Polo320 Nm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
Polo2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
Polo18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
Polo133 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
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Polo
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
Polo
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
Polo
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.
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Premium Sedan
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Car
Hatchback
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1247 kg
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Length
4714 mm
4074 mm
Width
1827 mm
1751 mm
Height
1440 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2549 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
305 l
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
1247 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
1780 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
-
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
10.6 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
-
Rear Headroom
951 mm
-
Front Legroom
1040 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
B48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
2000 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
147 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
320 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
117.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
256.6 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
Polo
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
DCT
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
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
DCT
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
DCT
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
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
22.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
40 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
18.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
59
40
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
Polo
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
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
Polo
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
Front and 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
Standard
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
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Polo
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
Standard
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
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Digital cockpit, infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, quality cabin materials
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Climate Control
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
305 l
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.3
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Air Conditioning
Standard
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Standard
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
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
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Polo
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
Polo
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
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
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
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
133 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
133 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
-
-
Spec
3 Series
Polo
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
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1501 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1484 mm
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
Polo
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
121 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
121
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
121
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Not Available
Spec
3 Series
Polo
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
South Africa market model
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
585800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
1362500
585800
Starting Price Zar
1362500
585800
Spec
3 Series
Polo
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 Polo 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 Polo 60.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs Polo 71.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs Polo 81.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs Polo 55.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs Polo 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 Polo 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 11 points
3 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Polo remains close.
Performance
3 Series +37
Efficiency
Polo +22
Safety
3 Series +11
Practicality
3 Series +7
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
Polo
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
71/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 3 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 66 pts for Polo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 3 Series leads. However, Polo 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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