Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 & 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 Mazda 6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda 6 lines up producing 140kW and 252Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD 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 140kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda 6 measures 4,865mm long on a 2,830mm wheelbase, 64mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,801mm (2,857mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 474L in the Mazda 6 and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the BMW M3 a 6L advantage.
For towing, the BMW M3 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. 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 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 9.4 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
1.9 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 $1,995/year for the Mazda 6 and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $884 annual difference in favour of the Mazda 6.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Mazda 6) vs $2,879 (BMW M3). The Mazda 6 saves you roughly $884 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda 6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda 6 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M3 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Mazda 6 will save you roughly $884 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, Mazda 6 and BMW M3?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda 6 uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda 6 and BMW M3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M3 has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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!
