Holden Commodore vs BMW M3
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.
Track the Holden Commodore & BMW M3
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 M3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that the Holden Commodore does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Holden Commodore lines up producing 210kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a rear-wheel drive layout.
The BMW M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 210kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Holden Commodore measures 4,964mm long on a 2,915mm wheelbase, 163mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,801mm (2,857mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Holden Commodore generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 495L in the Holden Commodore and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Holden Commodore a 15L advantage.
For towing, the Holden Commodore leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 300kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,565/year for the Holden Commodore and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Holden Commodore.
Estimated annual total: $2,565 (Holden Commodore) vs $2,879 (BMW M3). The Holden Commodore saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Holden Commodore) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). The BMW M3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Holden Commodore if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Holden's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Holden Commodore takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Holden Commodore will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. The BMW M3 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, Holden Commodore and BMW M3?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Holden Commodore uses the least fuel at 9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Holden Commodore all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Holden Commodore has the largest boot at 495L.
Which can tow the most?
The Holden Commodore has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW.
Track the cars you're comparing
Sign up free for price-drop alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown covering launches, deals and reviews. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
