BMW 3 Series vs Kia Optima
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.
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Kia Optima
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
Theta II 2.4 GDI
148kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
505L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Optima. 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 Kia Optima responds with a Theta II 2.4 GDI making 148kW and 250Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 148kW. 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, 132mm shorter than the Kia Optima at 4,845mm (2,795mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 505L in the Kia Optima, giving the Kia Optima a 25L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 3 Series leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series and $2,252/year for the Kia Optima. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Optima). The Kia Optima has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Optima if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The Kia Optima adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 Kia Optima?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia Optima holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW 3 Series, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Optima has the largest boot at 505L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Optima has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW.
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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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