Volkswagen CC 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.
Volkswagen CC
Price TBC
Sedan
Diesel
4 cylinder inline turbo diesel with engine Start/Stop system
125kW
5.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
532L
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Volkswagen CC: we're still completing price, kerb weight, warranty and ground clearance.
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
The Volkswagen CC features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 3 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Volkswagen CC stands out with heated front 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.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen CC uses a 4 cylinder inline turbo diesel with engine Start/Stop system producing 125kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a 6 speed dsg to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
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 BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 125kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 3 Series is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen CC measures 4,799mm long on a 2,711mm wheelbase, 86mm 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 532L in the Volkswagen CC and 480L in the BMW 3 Series, giving the Volkswagen CC a 52L advantage. The BMW 3 Series seats 5 vs 4.
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 11.4m
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 $1,625/year for the Volkswagen CC and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen CC.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen CC if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen CC and BMW 3 Series trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen CC will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen CC has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen CC 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 Volkswagen CC uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen CC 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 has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen CC has the largest boot at 532L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen CC has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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