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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Renault Rafale comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Renault Rafale?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Renault Rafale: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • substantially more power
  • marginally more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter
details

Renault Rafale

4.9 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • slightly more efficient
  • markedly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Renault Rafale is only slightly cheaper – starting at 37,700 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,228 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.4 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers marginally more range – reaching up to 101 km, about 4 km more than the Renault Rafale.

Rafale

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers substantially more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 230 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Renault Rafale takes 6.4 s. That’s about 2.9 s quicker.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is moderately lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 159 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers markedly more boot space – 627 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 147 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries moderately more – 495 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 51 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
details

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View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

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View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

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Reviews Renault Rafale

4.9 (9 Reviews)
rate
Low Budget Urus
4 May 2026, 18:28:11

Resonably good, efficiant and very good looking family hyper Hybrid....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
PILI
18 Feb 2026, 08:48:58

Very good car — responsive, supple, comfortable and reasonably economical. Not quite at the German premium level for noise insulation, but very close... Exceptional chassis.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Martin
4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
43 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,886 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
Renault
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.