BMW 3 Series vs Toyota bZ4X Touring
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota bZ4X Touring opens at $69,990. That makes the Toyota bZ4X Touring the more affordable entry point by $19,910.
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 $98,890 and $76,989 respectively.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota bZ4X Touring gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Toyota bZ4X Touring. The Toyota bZ4X Touring counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, JBL audio and ambient lighting. 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 6 seconds.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring responds with a Dual Electric Motor making 280kW and 536Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds.
The Toyota bZ4X Touring has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota bZ4X Touring is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 276mm shorter than the Toyota bZ4X Touring at 4,985mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 550L in the Toyota bZ4X Touring, giving the Toyota bZ4X Touring a 70L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 (Toyota bZ4X Touring). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota bZ4X Touring if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota bZ4X Touring takes 4 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Toyota bZ4X Touring has a clear edge. 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 Toyota bZ4X Touring?
The Toyota bZ4X Touring is the cheapest at $69,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 3 Series by $19,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 3 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota bZ4X Touring has the largest boot at 550L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota bZ4X Touring makes the most power at 280kW. The Toyota bZ4X Touring is quickest to 100km/h in 4.4s.
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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