BMW 3 Series M vs BMW i4
Verdict
At RM388,800 versus RM294,800, the BMW 3 Series M asks RM94,000 more than the BMW i4 and pays it back with harder numbers: 387 hp, all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed. The BMW i4 counters with a 70.3 kWh battery, 500 km EV range and far lower RM305 annual road tax versus RM2,125. For Malaysia, this is petrol pace against electric cost control. The gap is not subtle.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the quicker car, with 387 hp, all-wheel drive and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the BMW i4 if you want the lower purchase price, 500 km electric range and much cheaper annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM388,800; BMW i4 RM294,800
- Power: BMW 3 Series M 387 hp; BMW i4 282 hp
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series M 4.4 seconds; BMW i4 6.0 seconds
- Top speed: BMW 3 Series M 250 km/h; BMW i4 190 km/h
- Road tax: BMW 3 Series M RM2,125 per year; BMW i4 RM305 per year
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series M 480 litres; BMW i4 470 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 388,800 | RM 294,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Engine | 2,998 cc | Single motor |
| Power | 387 hp✓ | 282 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s✓ | 6.0 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h✓ | 190 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 70.3 kWh |
| EV range | — | 500 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,783 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,856 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L✓ | 470 L |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 305✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Series M
- Much quicker 4.4-second sprint
- Higher 387 hp output
- All-wheel drive traction
- Costs RM94,000 more
- Annual road tax is RM1,820 higher
- No EV range or charging benefit
i4
- 500 km electric range
- Lower RM305 annual road tax
- Adaptive LED headlamps with BMW Selective Beam and laser tail lamps
- Slower 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 190 km/h top speed
- Slightly smaller 470-litre boot
3 Series M vs i4 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or BMW i4 better?
The BMW 3 Series M is better for performance, with 387 hp and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time. The BMW i4 is better for lower running costs, with 500 km EV range and RM305 annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series M costs RM94,000 more than the BMW i4. That extra money buys more power, all-wheel drive and a much quicker 0-100 km/h time.
Which one has the lower road tax in Malaysia?
The BMW i4 has the lower road tax at RM305 per year. The BMW 3 Series M is RM2,125 per year, so the EV saves RM1,820 annually before fuel or charging costs are considered.