Chrysler 300 vs BMW 3 Series
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.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Chrysler 300: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, warranty and turning circle.
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.
No price
- no price to build from against the BMW 3 Series
$94,700RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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.
Recalls on our record
Chrysler 300
- REC-000204 · published 3 Jul 2018A fault in the Power Control Module (PCM) software may affect cruise control, potentially causing the vehicle speed to lock or unexpected vehicle acceleration.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2018
- REC-000199 · published 12 Sep 2017The alternator of the affected models may experience diode thermal fatigue due to cyclical loads induced by the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS).Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2014
- REC-003678 · published 27 Jan 2016The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may turn off when the turn signals are activated, resulting in non-compliance to certain homologation requirements.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 2 more on the model page.
BMW 3 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006667 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may be able to enter the starter motor causing corrosion and result in the engine not starting.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2020
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Chrysler 300 features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BMW 3 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Chrysler 300 stands out with heated front seats and ventilated seats — features our data doesn't list for the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chrysler 300 gets luxury perforated nappa leather (black or linen) upholstery while the BMW 3 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Chrysler 300 lines up producing 210kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic transmission with rotary e-shift to a RWD layout.
The BMW 3 Series responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Chrysler 300 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chrysler 300 measures 5,066mm long on a 3,052mm wheelbase, 353mm longer than the BMW 3 Series at 4,713mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chrysler 300 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Chrysler 300 leads with a 1,724kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 124kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.5 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,679/year for the Chrysler 300 and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $826 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chrysler 300 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Chrysler's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (44 vs 68). The Chrysler 300 and BMW 3 Series trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $826 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chrysler 300 and BMW 3 Series?
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 Chrysler 300 and BMW 3 Series carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Chrysler 300 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,724kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chrysler 300 makes the most power at 210kW.
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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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