Verdict
The BMW i4 is the quicker, more versatile choice for a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging: its 282 hp motor and 400 Nm deliver 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, while the 70.3 kWh battery is rated for 500 km and accepts up to 180 kW DC charging. Its five-door body also makes access easier. The 3 Series counters with a 480-litre boot, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio and a 235 km/h top speed, but its 184 hp, 300 Nm petrol drivetrain takes 7.4 seconds to 100 km/h.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the larger 480-litre boot, 235 km/h top speed and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.
Pick the BMW i4 if you have reliable charging and want 500 km EV range, 400 Nm and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Performance: 3 Series has 184 hp and 300 Nm; i4 has a 282 hp motor and 400 Nm.
- Acceleration: 3 Series reaches 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds; i4 does it in 6.0 seconds.
- Energy storage/range: 3 Series has a 59-litre petrol tank; i4 has a 70.3 kWh battery rated for 500 km.
- Charging: 3 Series has no charging rate; i4 supports 11 kW AC and 180 kW DC charging.
- Practicality: 3 Series has four doors and a 480-litre boot; i4 has five doors and a 470-litre boot.
- Weight: 3 Series weighs 1,590 kg; i4 weighs 2,075 kg.
3 Series
- 480-litre boot, 10 litres larger than the i4's
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system
- 235 km/h top speed
- Slower 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.0 seconds
- 300 Nm trails the i4's 400 Nm
- Passive cruise control instead of adaptive cruise control
i4
- 282 hp and 400 Nm motor
- 500 km rated EV range with 180 kW DC charging
- Five doors, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera
- RM27,000 more expensive
- 485 kg heavier
- 470-litre boot is 10 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM294,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM305✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 282 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70.3 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 500 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 180 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 190 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,783 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,856 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 2,075 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres✓ | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 255/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| 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 2nd Row 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 | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | BMW Laser LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats, Driver's Side Memory |
| 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 |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 3 Series & i4 for sale
3 Series vs i4 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or BMW i4 better?
The BMW i4 is better if charging is readily available, as it is quicker, has 500 km rated range and five doors. Choose the BMW 3 Series for its larger 480-litre boot, higher 235 km/h top speed and Bowers & Wilkins audio.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i4 costs RM27,000 more than the BMW 3 Series.
Can the BMW i4 handle longer trips?
The i4 is rated for 500 km of EV range and supports up to 180 kW DC charging. Route planning depends on access to compatible DC chargers, while the 3 Series uses a 59-litre petrol tank.