BMW 3 Series: G20 vs G20 LCI 2
Verdict
At RM230,764 against RM265,800, the BMW 3 Series G20 asks RM35,036 less yet keeps the same 1,998 cc petrol engine format, rear-wheel drive, 480-litre boot, 59-litre tank and RM379 road tax. The LCI 2 is the facelift play: minor updates, a little more power at 184 hp versus 181 hp, and the same 300 Nm. But the older car is actually quicker to 100 km/h, 7.1 seconds versus 7.4, and its 6.3 L/100 km figure is stated. The numbers favour the outgoing car unless the facelift cabin matters.
Pick the BMW 3 Series G20 if you want the lower buy-in, quoted fuel economy and the quicker 7.1-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 if you want the facelifted car and accept paying more for only a small on-paper power increase.
Key differences
- Price: RM230,764 | RM265,800
- Power and torque: 181 hp, 300 Nm | 184 hp, 300 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds | 7.4 seconds
- Fuel economy and CO2: 6.3 L/100 km, 144 g/km | not stated, not stated
- Dimensions: 4,709 mm long, 1,827 mm wide, 1,435 mm tall | 4,709 mm long, 1,827 mm wide, 1,435 mm tall
- Boot and fuel tank: 480 litres, 59 litres | 480 litres, 59 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 230,764✓ | RM 265,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 181 hp | 184 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.1 s✓ | 7.4 s |
| Top speed | 235 km/h | 235 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.3 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 144 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,709 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,827 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,435 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 379 | 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.
G20
- Costs much less to buy
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time
- Fuel economy and CO2 figures are stated
- Slightly lower power output
- Pre-facelift cabin and trim
- Same 2-year warranty as the newer car
G20 LCI 2
- Facelifted version with minor updates
- Slightly higher 184 hp output
- Keeps the same 480-litre boot and 59-litre tank
- RM35,036 dearer
- Slower 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Facelift interior is less user-friendly
G20 vs G20 LCI 2 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series G20 or BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 better?
The BMW 3 Series G20 is the better numbers buy: cheaper, quicker to 100 km/h and matched for size, boot space, airbags, AEB, warranty and road tax. Choose the LCI 2 only if the facelift matters more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 costs RM35,036 more than the BMW 3 Series G20. On paper, that mainly buys the facelift and a 3 hp increase, not better acceleration or more space.
Are the BMW 3 Series G20 and BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 mechanically different?
Only slightly. Both use a 1,998 cc petrol engine, conventional automatic gearbox, rear-wheel drive and 300 Nm. The LCI 2 has 184 hp versus 181 hp, but the G20 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.