Verdict
The BMW 3 Series costs RM267,800, RM8,912 more than the RM258,888 MINI Countryman, and remains the better fit for buyers who want a 4,709 mm sedan, a 2,851 mm wheelbase and a 480-litre boot. But the Countryman is the more forceful daily driver: its two motors make 313 hp and 494 Nm, dispatching 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds against 7.4 seconds. Its 66.5 kWh battery brings 432 km of range, plus 22 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging. The BMW counters with a 235 km/h top speed and rear-zone climate control.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the longer-wheelbase sedan, 480-litre boot, 235 km/h top speed and rear automatic climate control.
Pick the MINI Countryman if you want 313 hp, 494 Nm, all-wheel drive, 432 km EV range and faster 5.6-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; MINI Countryman RM258,888
- Power and torque: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; MINI Countryman 313 hp and 494 Nm
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: BMW 3 Series 7.4 seconds and 235 km/h; MINI Countryman 5.6 seconds and 180 km/h
- Length and wheelbase: BMW 3 Series 4,709 mm and 2,851 mm; MINI Countryman 4,433 mm and 2,692 mm
- Boot space and doors: BMW 3 Series 480 litres and four doors; MINI Countryman 460 litres and five doors
- Driveline: BMW 3 Series rear-wheel drive; MINI Countryman all-wheel drive
3 Series
- 480-litre boot and 2,851 mm wheelbase
- 235 km/h top speed
- Rear single-zone automatic climate control
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 7.4 seconds versus 5.6 seconds
- Less power and torque: 184 hp/300 Nm versus 313 hp/494 Nm
- No front passenger ISOFIX or front-seat massage function
Countryman
- 313 hp, 494 Nm and all-wheel drive
- 432 km range with 22 kW AC and 130 kW DC charging
- Active cruise control, 360-degree camera and powered hands-free tailgate
- Smaller 460-litre boot versus 480 litres
- Lower 180 km/h top speed versus 235 km/h
- Rear passengers get vents rather than rear automatic climate control
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800 | RM258,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM335✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 313 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 494 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 432 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 130 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,843 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/40R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, 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 belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| 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 Projector with High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full 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 with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| 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 | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 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 Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Tailgate, with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| 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 | — |
| 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✓ | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years, 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 & Countryman for sale
3 Series vs Countryman FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or MINI Countryman better?
The MINI Countryman is better for outright acceleration, all-wheel drive and EV use, with 313 hp, 494 Nm and 432 km range. Choose the BMW 3 Series for its larger boot, longer wheelbase, higher top speed and rear climate control.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series costs RM8,912 more than the MINI Countryman. The BMW's annual road tax is also RM44 higher, at RM379 versus RM335.
Which one is faster?
The MINI Countryman is quicker from 0-100 km/h, taking 5.6 seconds against the BMW 3 Series' 7.4 seconds. The BMW is faster flat out, however, reaching 235 km/h versus the Countryman's 180 km/h.