Toyota Aurion 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.
Toyota Aurion
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
2GR-FE 3.5L V6 petrol
200kW
9.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
515L
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
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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
Both the Toyota Aurion and BMW 3 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 3 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota Aurion.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 3 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio that the Toyota Aurion does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Aurion uses a 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 petrol producing 200kW and 336Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD 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 Toyota Aurion has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Aurion measures 4,835mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 122mm longer than the BMW 3 Series at 4,713mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 515L in the Toyota Aurion and 480L in the BMW 3 Series, giving the Toyota Aurion a 35L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 3 Series leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,651/year for the Toyota Aurion and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $798 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,651 (Toyota Aurion) vs $1,853 (BMW 3 Series). The BMW 3 Series saves you roughly $798 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota Aurion) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series). The BMW 3 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Aurion if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota Aurion 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 $798 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Aurion has a clear edge. The BMW 3 Series 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, Toyota Aurion 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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Aurion and 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 Aurion has the largest boot at 515L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Aurion has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 3 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Aurion makes the most power at 200kW.
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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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