Verdict
The BMW i4 costs RM27,000 more, but its 282 hp, 400 Nm motor cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 6.0 seconds against the BMW 3 Series’ 7.4 seconds. It also brings a 70.3 kWh battery, claimed 500 km range and 180 kW DC charging, while annual road tax is RM305 rather than RM379. The 3 Series remains the lighter choice by 485 kg, has a 10-litre larger boot and reaches 235 km/h. For a buyer with dependable charging, the i4’s performance and running-tax edge justify the extra outlay; otherwise, the 3 Series is the simpler petrol alternative.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the lower entry cost, a 480-litre boot and a 1,590 kg petrol sedan without relying on charging access.
Pick the BMW i4 if you have regular charging available and want 282 hp, 400 Nm, a claimed 500 km range and 6.0-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; BMW i4 RM294,800.
- Output: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; BMW i4 282 hp and 400 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series 7.4 seconds; BMW i4 6.0 seconds.
- Kerb weight: BMW 3 Series 1,590 kg; BMW i4 2,075 kg.
- Energy storage: BMW 3 Series 59-litre fuel tank; BMW i4 70.3 kWh battery with a claimed 500 km range.
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series 480 litres; BMW i4 470 litres.
3 Series
- RM27,000 lower purchase price
- 480-litre boot is 10 litres larger
- 235 km/h top speed
- 184 hp and 300 Nm trail the i4’s 282 hp and 400 Nm
- 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.4 seconds slower
- RM379 annual road tax is RM74 higher
i4
- 282 hp and 400 Nm from its electric motor
- Claimed 500 km range, 11 kW AC and 180 kW DC charging
- Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree reverse camera
- RM27,000 more expensive to buy
- 485 kg heavier than the 3 Series
- 470-litre boot is 10 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM294,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM305✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 184 hp at 5,000 rpm | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm at 1,350 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 82 mm × 94.6 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 282 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70.3 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 500 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 180 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 190 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,783 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,856 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 2,075 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres✓ | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 255/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | BMW Laser LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats, Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 3 Series & i4 for sale
3 Series vs i4 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or BMW i4 better?
The BMW i4 is better if home or workplace charging is practical, because it has 282 hp, 400 Nm, a claimed 500 km range and faster 0-100 km/h acceleration. Choose the BMW 3 Series for lower upfront cost and petrol convenience.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i4 is RM27,000 more expensive than the BMW 3 Series: RM294,800 versus RM267,800.
How quickly can the BMW i4 charge?
The BMW i4 accepts up to 11 kW AC charging and 180 kW DC charging. Its battery capacity is 70.3 kWh and its claimed electric range is 500 km.
