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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or VW Polo?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs VW Polo: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • considerably more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
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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:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo is significantly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22,684 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.

Polo

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers considerably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 323 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 VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers considerably more torque with 700 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 380 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is visibly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 432 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers clearly more boot space – 480 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 129 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries very slightly more – 495 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is decisively ahead 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

Frequently compared as well

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
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.

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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Reviews VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
Michel
13 Jun 2026, 15:24:46

Nice, spacious car with many options available (panoramic roof and travel assist).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
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.