BMW 3 Series vs Saab 9-5
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
Saab 9-5
Price TBC
Sedan
Diesel
2.0L 4cyl Turbo Diesel
—
6.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
461L
Saab 9-5: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 6 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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 Saab 9-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 461L in the Saab 9-5, giving the BMW 3 Series a 19L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,910/year for the Saab 9-5. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Saab 9-5). The BMW 3 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Saab 9-5 if: You or prefer Saab's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 3 of 3 key spec categories. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. The BMW 3 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Saab 9-5?
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?
None of BMW 3 Series and Saab 9-5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
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 has the best warranty?
The BMW 3 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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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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