Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the RM29,120 step up to the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 brings 387 hp, a 14.9-inch curved display, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof and a 360-degree monitor. Yet it is 55 kg heavier, while both cars deliver 500 Nm, xDrive, an eight-speed automatic and the same 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time. The BMW 3 Series M G20 remains the sharper used-buy proposition on paper: it costs less, has laser high beam headlamps and rear single-zone climate control, without giving away straight-line pace.
G20
Pick the BMW 3 Series M G20 if you want the lower-entry car with the same 4.4-second sprint, laser high beams and rear climate control.
G20 LCI 2
Pick the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 if you want the larger 14.9-inch display, adaptive cruise control, sunroof and 360-degree camera.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M G20 RM363,680; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 RM392,800.
- Power: BMW 3 Series M G20 382 hp; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 387 hp.
- Weight: BMW 3 Series M G20 1,745 kg; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 1,800 kg.
- Infotainment: BMW 3 Series M G20 10.25-inch touchscreen with 12-speaker 360W Harman Kardon; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 14.
- Cruise control: BMW 3 Series M G20 passive cruise control with brake function; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 adaptive cruise control.
- Reverse camera: BMW 3 Series M G20 rear camera; BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 360-degree monitor.
G20
- RM29,120 lower purchase price
- Same 500 Nm and 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Adaptive LED projector headlamps with laser high beam
- 5 hp down at 382 hp
- 10.25-inch screen and 12-speaker audio versus 14.9 inches and 16 speakers
- Passive rather than adaptive cruise control
G20 LCI 2
- 14.9-inch curved display with 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio
- Adaptive cruise control and 360-degree monitor
- Sunroof and all-seat seatbelt reminder
- RM29,120 more expensive
- 55 kg heavier at 1,800 kg
- LED projectors replace the outgoing car's laser high beam headlamps
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM363,680✓ | RM392,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,125 | RM2,125 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 32-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift | 32-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | 2,998 cc | 2,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 387 hp✓ |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2 | 10.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission | Steptronic Sport |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.7 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| 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 |
| Weight | 1,745 kg | 1,800 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | 59 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 480 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | 225/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 255/35R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Eagle F1 Run-flat | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 Run-flat |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Double Spoke Style 792 M Two-tone Alloy | 19" M Double-spoke style 792 M Bicolour Jet Black |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Double Spoke Style 792 M Two-tone Alloy | 19" M Double-spoke style 792 M Bicolour Jet Black |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Differential, Variable Sport Steering | Adaptive M Suspension, Variable Sport Steering, M Sport Differential |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — Tested with AEB | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Attentiveness Assistant, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with Laser High Beam and High Beam Assist | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (11 Colours) | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | BMW Navigation System Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller, Voice Control and 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System (360W) | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Smartphone Key | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control with Brake Function | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger, BMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service, BMW Live Cockpit Professional | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 3 years |
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.
Used cars for sale
G20 vs G20 LCI 2 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M G20 or BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 better?
The BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 is better equipped with adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree monitor, sunroof and 14.9-inch display. The BMW 3 Series M G20 is the better-value choice because it matches the 4.4-second sprint and 500 Nm for less money.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 costs RM29,120 more than the BMW 3 Series M G20: RM392,800 against RM363,680.
Is the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 faster?
Not to 100 km/h. Both are rated at 4.4 seconds and 250 km/h, although the BMW 3 Series M G20 LCI 2 has 387 hp versus 382 hp. Torque is identical at 500 Nm.