Verdict
At RM714,800, the i7 costs RM132,000 less, yet brings a 625-km electric range, 195-kW DC charging and annual road tax of RM1,015. Its 3,215-mm wheelbase, 525-litre boot and rear dual-zone climate control suit chauffeur-driven and family use far better than the M3. The M3 is the driver's choice: 503 hp, 650 Nm and a 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time beat the i7's 4.7 seconds, while its 1,855-kg kerb weight is 860 kg lower. But it uses petrol at a rated 10.1 L/100 km and costs RM2,113 a year in road tax.
i7
Pick the BMW i7 if rear-seat space, a 625-km EV range and lower RM1,015 annual road tax matter more than outright acceleration.
M3
Pick the BMW M3 if its 3.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint, 250-km/h top speed and 860-kg weight advantage are central to the brief.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i7 RM714,800; BMW M3 RM846,800.
- Performance: BMW i7 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds; BMW M3 in 3.5 seconds.
- Powertrain: BMW i7 has two motors producing 536 hp and 745 Nm; BMW M3 has a 2,993-cc twin-turbo petrol engine with 503 hp and 650 Nm.
- Range/economy: BMW i7 has 625 km EV range and 195-kW DC charging; BMW M3 is rated at 10.1 L/100 km.
- Size: BMW i7 wheelbase is 3,215 mm with a 525-litre boot; BMW M3 wheelbase is 2,857 mm with a 480-litre boot.
- Road tax: BMW i7 RM1,015 per year; BMW M3 RM2,113 per year.
i7
- 625-km EV range with 195-kW DC charging
- 358-mm longer wheelbase and 45 litres more boot space
- Rear dual-zone air-con, power rear seats and power doors
- Slower 4.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus the M3's 3.5 seconds
- 860 kg heavier than the M3 at 2,715 kg
- 240-km/h top speed is 10 km/h lower
M3
- 3.5-second 0-100 km/h performance
- 860 kg lighter at 1,855 kg
- Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential and selectable 4WD/4WD Sport/2WD modes
- Costs RM132,000 more
- Rated consumption is 10.1 L/100 km, while the i7 has a 625-km electric range
- Smaller 480-litre boot and 2,857-mm wheelbase
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM714,800✓ | RM846,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM1,015✓ | RM2,113 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 24-valve DOHC with Twin Turbochargers, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | — | 2,993 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 503 hp |
| Torque | — | 650 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 84 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.3 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 536 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 745 Nm | — |
| EV Range | 625 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 195 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-speed M Steptronic Transmission with Drivelogic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.7 seconds | 3.5 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 10.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 230 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,903 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,433 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 2,857 mm |
| Weight | 2,715 kg | 1,855 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 59 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres✓ | 480 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 275/35R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R20 | 285/30R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Michelin Pilot Super Sport Run-flat |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels | 19" Double-spoke Style 826 M Two-tone Forged Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels | 20" Double-spoke Style 826 M Two-tone Forged Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension, All-wheel steering | Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD Modes |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Attentiveness Assistant, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention, Active Protection |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Laser Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Roof | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (11 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | 2x Side Shade, 1x Rear Shade | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 12-speaker 360W Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Smartphone Key and Proximity Auto Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Yes | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, BMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | 3 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 i7 & M3 for sale
i7 vs M3 FAQ
Is the BMW i7 or BMW M3 better?
The i7 is better for rear-seat accommodation, EV range and lower annual road tax. The M3 is better for outright pace, reaching 100 km/h 1.2 seconds sooner and weighing 860 kg less.
What is the price difference?
The BMW M3 costs RM132,000 more than the BMW i7: RM846,800 versus RM714,800.
Which has lower running costs on paper?
The i7 has lower annual road tax at RM1,015 versus RM2,113 for the M3. It also avoids the M3's rated 10.1 L/100 km petrol consumption, though its charging costs depend on where and how it is charged.