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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

BMW 3 Series Touring vs VW Passat – Differences & prices compared

Q: How powerful is the BMW 3 Series Touring's engine?

The BMW 3 Series Touring reaches a peak output of 550 HP, depending on the model.

Q: What is the fuel consumption of the BMW 3 Series Touring according to the manufacturer?

Based on WLTP testing, consumption is around 2.50 L.

Q: What is the electric driving range of the BMW 3 Series Touring?

According to WLTP, the BMW 3 Series Touring can travel up to 97 km on a single charge.

Q: What is the battery capacity of the BMW 3 Series Touring?

The battery offers a capacity of 19.50 kWh.

Q: How fast can the BMW 3 Series Touring go?

Depending on the model, top speed is 300 km/h.

Q: What are the dimensions of the BMW 3 Series Touring?

The BMW 3 Series Touring measures 4713 mm long, 1827 mm wide and 1440 mm high.

Q: What drivetrain options does the VW Passat have?

The VW Passat is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower of the VW Passat?

The VW Passat reaches a peak output of 272 HP, depending on the model.

Q: How much fuel does the VW Passat use?

Based on WLTP testing, consumption is around 1.20 L.

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Touring or VW Passat?

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3 Series Touring @ BMW Group Press

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 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 @ BMW Group Press

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.

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Passat @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 @ BMW Group Press

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 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 @ BMW Group Press

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 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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.

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

3 Series Touring @ BMW Group Press

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 has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 35700 £, while the BMW 3 Series Touring costs 41100 £. That’s a price difference of around 5323 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Passat manages with 1.20 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Touring with 2.50 L. The difference is about 1.30 L per 100 km.

As for range, the VW Passat performs distinct better – achieving up to 135 km, about 38 km more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

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 Touring has a clearly edge – offering 550 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 278 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Touring is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the VW Passat takes 5.80 s. That’s about 2.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW 3 Series Touring performs a bit better – reaching 300 km/h, while the VW Passat tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 3 Series Touring pulls decisively stronger with 700 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 300 Nm difference.

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Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Passat is hardly perceptible lighter – 1573 kg compared to 1650 kg. The difference is around 77 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Passat offers distinct more room – 690 L compared to 500 L. That’s a difference of about 190 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Passat performs clearly perceptible better – up to 1920 L, which is about 410 L more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

When it comes to payload, VW Passat slight takes the win – 577 kg compared to 520 kg. That’s a difference of about 57 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Passat shows itself to be edges ahead and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £35,700

@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Passat

Price : 35700 - 58500 £
Body Type : Estate
Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission : Automatic
Transmission Detail : Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP : 122 - 272 HP
Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 8 L
Electric Range : 124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity : 19.70 kWh
Seats : 5
Acceleration 0-100km/h : 5.8 - 10.7 s
Model Year : 2024 - 2025
Max Speed : 212 - 250 km/h
Torque : 250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders : 4
Doors : 5
Model : Passat
Modell : Passat Variant 2.0 TSI, Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI ACT, Passat Variant 2.0 TDI, Passat Variant 1.5 eHybrid
CO2 Efficiency Class : G, D, E, B
Trim Level : R-Line 4MOTION DSG, DSG, Business DSG, Elegance DSG, R-Line DSG, Elegance 4MOTION DSG
Power kW : 90 - 200 kW
co2 : 28 - 181 g/km
Engine capacity : 1498 - 1984 cm3
Curb weight : 1573 - 1858 kg
Fuel tank capacity : 45 - 66 L
Trunk capacity : 510 - 690 L
Length : 4917 mm
Width : 1849 mm
Height : 1521 mm
Brand : VW
Max trunk capacity : 1770 - 1920 L
Payload : 501 - 577 kg

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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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@ BMW Group Press

@ BMW Group Press

@ BMW Group Press

@ BMW Group Press

@ BMW Group Press

VW Passat

5 (2)

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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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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VW Passat

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The VW Passat is the consummate sensible sedan — roomy, refined and superb on motorway miles — while the VW Tayron trades that low-slung poise for SUV practicality, higher seating and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Passat if you crave sedan comfort and economy, opt for the Tayron when …

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Audi A6 Avant

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BMW 3 Series Touring

VW Passat

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Costs and Consumption
Price 41100 - 131100 £	Price 35700 - 58500 £
Consumption L/100km 2.5 - 10.5 L	Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 8 L
Consumption kWh/100km -	Consumption kWh/100km -
Electric Range 91 - 97 km	Electric Range 124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity 19.50 kWh	Battery Capacity 19.70 kWh
co2 57 - 238 g/km	co2 28 - 181 g/km
Fuel tank capacity 40 - 59 L	Fuel tank capacity 45 - 66 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type Estate	Body Type Estate
Seats 5	Seats 5
Doors 5	Doors 5
Curb weight 1650 - 2025 kg	Curb weight 1573 - 1858 kg
Trunk capacity 410 - 500 L	Trunk capacity 510 - 690 L
Length 4713 - 4801 mm	Length 4917 mm
Width 1827 - 1918 mm	Width 1849 mm
Height 1440 - 1448 mm	Height 1521 mm
Max trunk capacity 1420 - 1510 L	Max trunk capacity 1770 - 1920 L
Payload 405 - 520 kg	Payload 501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid	Engine Type Petrol, 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 All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP 150 - 550 HP	Power HP 122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h 3.5 - 8.8 s	Acceleration 0-100km/h 5.8 - 10.7 s
Max Speed 213 - 300 km/h	Max Speed 212 - 250 km/h
Torque 250 - 700 Nm	Torque 250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders 4 - 6	Number of Cylinders 4
Power kW 110 - 405 kW	Power kW 90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity 1995 - 2998 cm3	Engine capacity 1498 - 1984 cm3