BMW 3 Series M: G20 LCI vs G20 LCI 2
Verdict
Mechanically, this is a dead heat: both are CKD petrol compact executive sedans with a 2,998 cc engine, 387 hp, 500 Nm, all-wheel drive and a conventional automatic, so 0-100 km/h stays at 4.4 seconds and top speed at 250 km/h. The BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 is only 5 mm longer and 5 mm taller, with the same 2,851 mm wheelbase and 480-litre boot. At RM371,600 versus RM388,800, the cheaper BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI makes more sense unless the LCI 2’s trim list matters to you.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI if you want the same 387 hp, 500 Nm and 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time for RM17,200 less.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 if you want the newer car and accept that its extra 5 mm in length and height does not bring more boot space or performance.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI RM371,600; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 RM388,800
- Length: BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 4,709 mm; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 4,714 mm
- Height: BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 1,435 mm; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 1,440 mm
- Power and torque: both 387 hp and 500 Nm
- Performance: both do 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and run to 250 km/h
- Practicality: both have a 2,851 mm wheelbase and 480-litre boot
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 371,600✓ | RM 388,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 2,998 cc | 2,998 cc |
| Power | 387 hp | 387 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s | 4.4 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.7 L/100km | — |
| CO₂ | 177 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,714 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,827 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,851 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L | 480 L |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 59 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 2,125 |
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.
G20 LCI
- RM17,200 cheaper than the LCI 2
- Same 2,998 cc engine, all-wheel drive and conventional automatic
- Fuel economy and CO2 figures are stated at 7.7 L/100 km and 177 g/km
- 5 mm shorter and 5 mm lower than the LCI 2
- Same two-year warranty as the dearer car
- Same RM2,125 annual road tax
G20 LCI 2
- Slightly longer at 4,714 mm
- Slightly taller at 1,440 mm
- Keeps the same 387 hp, 500 Nm and 4.4-second sprint
- Costs RM17,200 more with no listed power or torque gain
- Boot space remains 480 litres
- Fuel economy and CO2 figures are not stated
G20 LCI vs G20 LCI 2 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI or BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 better?
The BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI is the better buy on paper. It has the same engine output, all-wheel drive, 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time, 480-litre boot and two-year warranty, but costs RM17,200 less.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI costs RM371,600, while the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 costs RM388,800. That makes the LCI 2 RM17,200 more expensive.
Do they perform differently?
No. Both use a 2,998 cc petrol engine with 387 hp and 500 Nm, a conventional automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Both claim 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed.