Volkswagen Passat 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.
Volkswagen Passat
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
4 cylinder inline turbo petrol
118kW
7.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
565L
BMW M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Volkswagen Passat: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count 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 Passat features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The BMW M3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Passat gets vienna leather appointed upholstery while the BMW M3 offers merino leather.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Passat uses a 4 cylinder inline turbo petrol producing 118kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dsg to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
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 118kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW M3 is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Passat measures 4,769mm long on a 2,711mm wheelbase, 32mm shorter 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 565L in the Volkswagen Passat and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Volkswagen Passat a 85L 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 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 $2,052/year for the Volkswagen Passat and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $827 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Passat.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Volkswagen Passat) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). The BMW M3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Passat if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Volkswagen Passat will save you roughly $827 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Passat has a clear edge. 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, Volkswagen Passat and BMW M3?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Passat uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat has the largest boot at 565L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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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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