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BMW X3 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon comparison

Compare performance (398 HP vs 530 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 39,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or BMW 3 Series Saloon?

BMW X3 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon: Key differences

BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly more trunk space
details

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • noticeably cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • moderately more electric range
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

X3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BMW 3 Series Saloon is noticeably cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,743 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the BMW X3 with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers moderately more range – reaching up to 101 km, about 13 km more than the BMW X3.

3 Series Saloon

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 markedly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 398 HP. That’s roughly 132 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the BMW X3 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers barely more torque with 700 Nm compared to 670 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.

X3

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 terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is visibly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,930 kg. The difference is around 355 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW X3 offers slightly more boot space – 570 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 90 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW X3 carries a bit more – 570 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 75 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly superior 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

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BMW X3

The BMW X3 blends sporty handling with premium comfort, making it a strong choice for drivers who want an engaging everyday SUV. Its well-appointed interior and confident road manners give it broad appeal for families and commuters who value style and versatility.

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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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BMW 3 Series Saloon

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,700 - 73,000 £
Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
54 - 227 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,920 mm
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
570 kg
Payload
405 - 495 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
BMW
Is the BMW X3 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW X3 is offered with 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.