Nissan Maxima 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.
Reference imageNissan Maxima
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
—
185kW
10.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
506L
BMW M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Nissan Maxima: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, drive type and warranty, plus 1 other.
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 Nissan Maxima stands out with Bose audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW M3. 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. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Maxima lines up producing 185kW and 326Nm of torque, sent through a xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (cvt) with 6-speed manual mode (m-mode) to the wheels.
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 185kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Maxima measures 4,850mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 49mm 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 506L in the Nissan Maxima and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Nissan Maxima a 26L advantage.
For towing, the BMW M3 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg 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 $2,907/year for the Nissan Maxima and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the BMW M3.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Maxima if: You need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, 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 BMW M3 will save you roughly $28 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, Nissan Maxima and BMW M3?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M3 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Nissan Maxima and BMW M3 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 Nissan Maxima has the largest boot at 506L.
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.
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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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