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.
RZ 550e F SPORTElectricSingle-Speed Reduction GearCurrent
ZAR 1,977,600ex-showroom
⚡ 300 kW🔧 269 Nm
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
BMW 3 Series vs Lexus RZ: the short answer
3 Series and RZ are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
3 Series starts ZAR 771,100 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · RZ from ZAR 1,682,600
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
RZ
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
RZ300 kW
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
RZ268.6 Nm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
RZNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
RZNot Applicable
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
RZ200 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)
3 Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Performance
Specification evidence leader
RZ
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
3 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
RZ
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
3 Series
RZ
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.
Updated dedicated battery-electric Lexus RZ range launched locally in 2026
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
2026 South African range introduces RZ 500e, RZ 550e F SPORT and RZ 600e F SPORT Performance derivatives
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026 South African range introduces RZ 500e, RZ 550e F SPORT and RZ 600e F SPORT Performance derivatives
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Yes
EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Yes
EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Yes
EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Standard
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
EMV// Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Ultra-Suede/ F SPORT
Heated Seats
Yes
Standard Front and Rear,+ Front Radiation
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Standard Driver + Passenger
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Multi-colour
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Steer-By-Wire F SPORT/ Synthetic Leather + Heater
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
60:40 -
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
8-way power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
8-way power
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Ultra-Suede/ F SPORT
Folding Rear Seats
-
60:40 -
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard 4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard TFT
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Driver 2-way,Power
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Climate Control
Standard
Auto Dual zone,Humidity Sensor
Power Windows
Standard
All/ All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Panoramic (Dimming)
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Standard Power and Handsfree
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Standard
Auto Dual zone,Humidity Sensor
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Air Conditioning
Standard
Auto Dual zone,Humidity Sensor
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Standard 13
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
Standard TFT
USB Ports
2
Standard 5PCs
Infotainment Screen
14.9
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Touchscreen
14.9
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Navigation System
-
Standard/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
14.9
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Audio Speakers
6
Standard 13
Audio System
-
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 5PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
3 Series
RZ
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED fog-lamp function
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Classic White, Graphite Black GF, Neutrino Grey, Neutrino Grey Bi-Tone, Sonic Copper Bi-Tone, Sonic Iridium
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Panoramic (Dimming)
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
15.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
24.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Permanent all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
16.0 deg
Ground Clearance Max
-
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
200 mm
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
F:235-50 R20 / R:255-45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Without (Repair Kit Included)
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson -
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Wishbone -
Front Track Width
-
1614 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1636 mm
Spec
3 Series
RZ
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Not Applicable
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
7 years / 105000 km
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15,000km
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
1977600 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Flagship
Starting Price
1362500
1977600
Starting Price Zar
1362500
1977600
Spec
3 Series
RZ
Warranty
Yes
7 years / 105,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and RZ 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 RZ 83.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs RZ 90.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs RZ 94.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs RZ 62.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs RZ 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 RZ 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
RZ leads by 5 points
3 Series and RZ are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
RZ
Performance
83/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
62/100
3 Series
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus RZ
leads the specification evidence index with 82 pts
vs 77 pts for 3 Series
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RZ leads. However, 3 Series 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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