Verdict
At RM267,800, the rear-wheel-drive BMW 3 Series is RM101,000 cheaper and 615 kg lighter, with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 184 hp and 300 Nm. The RM368,800 BMW i5 answers with 335 hp, 430 Nm and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time, versus 7.4 seconds, plus an 83.9-kWh battery rated for 627 km. For a Malaysian buyer with access to charging, the i5’s 205-kW DC rate, 490-litre boot and larger executive-sedan footprint make it the more richly specified choice; the 3 Series is the sensible route to lower entry cost and a 235-km/h top speed.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want to save RM101,000, prefer petrol refuelling and value its 1,590-kg kerb weight and 235-km/h top speed.
Pick the BMW i5 if you have charging access and want 335 hp, 627 km of EV range, a larger body and more rear-seat comfort equipment.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; BMW i5 RM368,800.
- Power and torque: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; BMW i5 335 hp and 430 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series 7.4 seconds; BMW i5 6.0 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: BMW 3 Series 4,709 mm and 2,851 mm; BMW i5 5,060 mm and 2,995 mm.
- Kerb weight: BMW 3 Series 1,590 kg; BMW i5 2,205 kg.
- Energy storage: BMW 3 Series has a 59-litre petrol tank; BMW i5 has an 83.9-kWh battery with 627 km range.
3 Series
- RM101,000 lower purchase price.
- Lighter by 615 kg.
- Higher 235-km/h top speed.
- Slower 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.0 seconds.
- Produces 184 hp and 300 Nm, against the i5’s 335 hp and 430 Nm.
- Lacks the i5’s panoramic glass roof, rear sunshades and 360-degree camera.
i5
- 335 hp, 430 Nm and 6.0-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
- 83.9-kWh battery, 627 km range, 22-kW AC and 205-kW DC charging.
- Gets adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and dual-zone rear air-conditioning.
- Costs RM101,000 more.
- Weighs 2,205 kg, 615 kg more than the 3 Series.
- Its 193-km/h top speed is 42 km/h lower.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM368,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM395 |
| 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 | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 430 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 83.9 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 627 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 205 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✓ | 193 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 2,205 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 490 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 275/35R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli P Zero Elekt |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on outer rear 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 | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 14.9" Touchscreen BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (655W) |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| 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 | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery |
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 & i5 for sale
3 Series vs i5 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or BMW i5 better?
The BMW i5 is better if home or regular charging is available: it has 335 hp, 430 Nm, 627 km range and more equipment. The BMW 3 Series is the better buy for a RM101,000 lower outlay and petrol refuelling.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM101,000 more than the BMW 3 Series, at RM368,800 versus RM267,800.
How much faster is the BMW i5 than the BMW 3 Series?
The BMW i5 reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, 1.4 seconds ahead of the BMW 3 Series at 7.4 seconds. It also produces 335 hp and 430 Nm, compared with 184 hp and 300 Nm.
