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Mazda CX-5 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 530 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 39,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or BMW 3 Series Saloon?

Mazda CX-5 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
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BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • considerably more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • very slightly more trunk space
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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

CX-5

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.

Mazda CX-5 is clearly cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,951 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 4.6 L/100km.

3 Series Saloon

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 considerably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 389 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers considerably more torque with 700 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 462 Nm more.

CX-5

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 only slightly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 54 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers very slightly more boot space – 480 L compared to 466 L. That’s a difference of about 14 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries moderately more – 601 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 106 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon holds a decisive overall lead 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
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 blends elegant, athletic styling with a surprisingly engaging driving character, turning routine trips into small, satisfying adventures. Inside it feels thoughtfully built and comfortable, offering sensible practicality and a premium feel that punches above its price.

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Reviews Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
Bengt
25 Jan 2026, 14:05:09

I've owned several Volvos, but I drive a Mazda now and would never switch back.

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

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.

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Mazda CX-5
BMW 3 Series Saloon

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 169 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
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
566 - 601 kg
Payload
405 - 495 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
BMW
Is the Mazda CX-5 offered with different drivetrains?

The Mazda CX-5 is available as Front-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.