BMW 3 Series: F30 LCI vs G20 LCI 2
Verdict
This is a straight old-versus-new 3 Series call. The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 asks RM67,000 more, but brings a 1,998 cc engine with 184 hp and 300 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 7.4 seconds versus the BMW 3 Series F30 LCI’s 8.9 seconds. It is also bigger, with a 2,851 mm wheelbase against 2,810 mm. But the F30 LCI has a five-year warranty, lower RM90 road tax and the same 480-litre boot. Sensible still has a strong case here.
Pick the BMW 3 Series F30 LCI if you want the cheaper rear-wheel-drive 3 Series with lower road tax, a longer warranty and the same boot capacity.
Pick the BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 if you want the quicker, larger newer-generation car and value AEB over the higher running costs.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI RM198,800; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 RM265,800
- Engine output: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 136 hp/220 Nm; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 184 hp/300 Nm
- Acceleration: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 0-100 km/h in 8.9 s; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 in 7.4 s
- Size: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 4,633 mm long with 2,810 mm wheelbase; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 4,709 mm long with 2,851 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 480 L; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 480 L
- Road tax: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI RM90/year; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 RM379/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 198,800✓ | RM 265,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,499 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 136 hp | 184 hp✓ |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 300 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.9 s | 7.4 s✓ |
| Top speed | 210 km/h | 235 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 5.1 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 119 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,633 mm | 4,709 mm |
| Width | 1,811 mm | 1,827 mm |
| Height | 1,429 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm | 2,851 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L | 480 L |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 59 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5✓ | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 90✓ | RM 379 |
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.
F30 LCI
- Lower purchase price by RM67,000
- Five-year warranty versus two years
- Lower RM90 annual road tax
- Slower 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 136 hp and 220 Nm outputs
- No auto emergency braking listed
G20 LCI 2
- Stronger 184 hp and 300 Nm engine
- Quicker 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Adds auto emergency braking
- Costs RM67,000 more
- Higher RM379 annual road tax
- LCI interior is less user-friendly
F30 LCI vs G20 LCI 2 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series F30 LCI or BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 better?
The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 is better for performance and safety, with 184 hp, 300 Nm and AEB. The BMW 3 Series F30 LCI is the value pick, with lower road tax, a five-year warranty and the same 480-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 costs RM67,000 more than the BMW 3 Series F30 LCI. That money buys more power, quicker acceleration, a larger body and AEB, but not extra boot space.
Which BMW 3 Series is faster?
The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 is faster. It does 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and reaches 235 km/h, while the BMW 3 Series F30 LCI takes 8.9 seconds and tops out at 210 km/h.