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BMW 3 Series Touring vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (41,100 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Touring or VW Passat?

BMW 3 Series Touring vs VW Passat: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Touring

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • very slightly lighter
  • visibly 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

3 Series Touring

Unveiling the Duel: BMW 3er Touring vs. VW Passat

The automotive world is filled with fierce competition and remarkable advances in technology. Two stalwarts in the family wagon segment, the BMW 3er Touring and the VW Passat, are no exception. Both offer an impressive blend of performance, practicality, and luxury. Let's delve deeper into how these icons stack up against each other, considering their technical prowess and innovative features.

Passat

Performance Prowess

The BMW 3er Touring is available in a variety of engine options, catering to different preferences. With power output ranging from 150 to a staggering 550 HP, the 3er Touring can achieve 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.5 seconds, thanks to its range-topping engine. On the other hand, the VW Passat’s power spectrum ranges from 122 to 272 HP, achieving a commendable 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds in its most potent variant.

3 Series Touring

Innovative Powertrains

Both vehicles offer plug-in hybrid options, emphasizing efficiency without compromising on power. The BMW 3er Touring boasts a 19.5 kWh battery, facilitating an electric range of 96 km. Meanwhile, the Passat is equipped with a 19.7 kWh battery that offers an impressive 126 km range, allowing for extended journeys with minimal environmental impact.

Passat

Efficiency and Economy

In terms of fuel consumption, the BMW 3er Touring offers a range from an ultra-efficient 0.9 L/100km, thanks to its plug-in variant, to a more robust 10.5 L/100km at peak performance. The Passat counters this with figures ranging from 0.4 L/100km in its plug-in hybrid to 8.1 L/100km in its higher power offerings. Such figures highlight the emphasis both manufacturers place on blending efficiency with performance.

3 Series Touring

Design and Practicality

Beyond their mechanical capabilities, both models offer practicality with their five-seat configurations. The BMW 3er Touring's trunk space ranges from 410 to 500 liters, making it suitable for family trips and everyday usability. Conversely, the VW Passat excels with a trunk capacity of up to 690 liters, emphasizing its prowess in cargo space.

Passat

Dimensions and Comfort

When it comes to size, the Passat is slightly longer at 4917 mm compared to the 3er Touring’s maximum length of 4801 mm. This translates into more interior room, potentially offering a more comfortable ride for passengers. Both vehicles feature a five-door configuration, ensuring ease of access and versatility.

3 Series Touring

Tech-Savvy Features

Both automakers have equipped their models with the latest technology to ensure a premium experience. Advanced infotainment systems, driver assistance features, and connectivity options cater to tech-savvy consumers looking for a modern driving experience.

Passat

Conclusion: The Verdict

In the BMW 3er Touring and VW Passat, we see two distinct approaches to the family wagon. The 3er Touring, with its emphasis on sporty performance and dynamic driving experience, contrasts with the Passat’s focus on space and economy. Choosing between the two would largely depend on personal priorities: whether one values performance and a prestigious badge, or space and efficiency. Either way, both models represent the pinnacle of innovation and design in the modern automotive landscape.

Frequently compared as well

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

3 Series Touring

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Passat is somewhat cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Touring costs 41,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,595 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Touring with 2.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 38 km more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

Passat

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Touring offers considerably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 258 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Touring is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Touring delivers significantly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 300 Nm more.

3 Series Touring

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, VW Passat is very slightly lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,650 kg. The difference is around 77 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers visibly more boot space – 690 L compared to 500 L. That’s a difference of about 190 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries only slightly more – 577 kg compared to 520 kg. That’s a difference of about 57 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Touring is barely 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 £41,100
3 Series Touring

BMW 3 Series Touring

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.5 - 10.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 91 - 97 km
details
BMW 3 Series Touring
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Touring

The BMW 3 Series Touring blends sporting poise with everyday practicality, wrapping sharp handling and a premium cabin into a wagon that actually makes errands feel enjoyable. It’s the kind of car that hides a family-hauler’s sense of duty beneath a driver's-car attitude — useful, classy, and just cheeky enough to make you smile on the open road.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Touring

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

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Reviews VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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BMW 3 Series Touring
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,100 - 91,900 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 10.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
91 - 97 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
57 - 233 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Estate
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,650 - 2,025 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
410 - 500 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
430 - 520 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 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, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
Is the BMW 3 Series Touring offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Touring is offered with 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.