BMW 3 Series vs BMW i4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $94,700 before on-road costs, while the BMW i4 opens at $88,900. That makes the BMW i4 the more affordable entry point by $5,800.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $104,170 and $97,790 respectively.
The BMW i4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW 3 Series, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 3 Series and BMW i4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW 3 Series and 87% for the BMW i4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 3 Series and 6 in the BMW i4.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
80.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 180kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 180kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i4 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i4 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate that the BMW 3 Series does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The BMW i4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The BMW i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 3 Series is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,713mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 70mm shorter than the BMW i4 at 4,783mm (2,856mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 470L in the BMW i4, giving the BMW 3 Series a 10L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i4 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW 3 Series and BMW i4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 3 Series and BMW i4?
The BMW i4 is the cheapest at $88,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 3 Series by $5,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 3 Series and BMW i4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i4 makes the most power at 210kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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