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.
Performance EV AWD 4.5SElectricSingle-Speed Reduction GearCurrent
ZAR 1,319,900ex-showroom
⚡ 390 kW🔧 690 Nm
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
BMW 3 Series vs BYD SEALION 7: the short answer
SEALION 7 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while 3 Series remains close.
3 Series starts ZAR 198,400 cheaper3 Series from ZAR 911,500 · SEALION 7 from ZAR 1,109,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
3 Series
SEALION 7
Maximum Power
3 Series285 kW
SEALION 7390 kW
Maximum Torque
3 Series500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
SEALION 7690 Nm
Engine Size
3 Series2998 cc
SEALION 7Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
3 Series12.5 km/l
SEALION 7Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
3 Series140 mm
SEALION 7163 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
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
SEALION 7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
3 Series
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
SEALION 7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
SEALION 7
Model Introduced Year
2019
2025
Generation
Seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series Sedan, with regular 320i, 320d and 330i derivatives and an M340i xDrive M Performance flagship.
First South African SEALION 7 generation
Facelift History
The seventh-generation G20 has received successive design and interior updates; the current South African page reflects the latest local specification.
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Premium Sedan
Medium SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
Passenger vehicle
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Length
4714 mm
4830 mm
Width
1827 mm
1925 mm
Height
1440 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2930 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
163 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
140 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
480 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
1770 kg
2340 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2245 kg
2750 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
410 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
1500 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
5.85 m
Front Headroom
990 mm
980 mm
Rear Headroom
951 mm
940 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1100 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
820 mm
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
Dual-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
B48
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
6
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
285 kW
390 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
690 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Front Induction; Rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front + Rear
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
250 km/h
215 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.3 sec
4.5 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
166.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
294.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
82.56 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
550.4 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
456 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
8 h 36 min (0-100%)
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
32 min (10-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Front and rear electric drive units
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Available
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Crystal-motif gearshift lever
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Automatic electric all-wheel drive
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 Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
8
1
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
59
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
456 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
21.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Range Real World Highway
360 km
375 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
400 km
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Airbags
6
9
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
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
AEB
Yes
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Standard
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
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with contrast stitching Blue
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Yes
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric with driver memory
8-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
6-way electric
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Nappa leather
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Climate Control
Standard
Dual-zone automatic
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Glass sunroof, electric (no sliding-roof function)
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Standard
Dual-zone automatic
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Double wishbone
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Multi-link
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
3 services/80000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar
1362500 ZAR
1319900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price
1362500
1319900
Starting Price Zar
1362500
1319900
Spec
3 Series
SEALION 7
Warranty
Yes
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
In depth: how these cars differ
This 3 Series and SEALION 7 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 SEALION 7 100.
Efficiency index: 3 Series 49 vs SEALION 7 90.
Safety-equipment index: 3 Series 92 vs SEALION 7 99.
Practicality index: 3 Series 62 vs SEALION 7 62.
Ownership-cover index: 3 Series not separately scored vs SEALION 7 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 SEALION 7 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
SEALION 7 leads by 11 points
SEALION 7 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while 3 Series remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SEALION 7
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
3 Series
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD SEALION 7
leads the specification evidence index with 88 pts
vs 77 pts for 3 Series
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SEALION 7 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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