VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
160 kW
Torque
400 Nm
engine 221 Nm
Fuel
4.9 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
8.9 s
Engine
1995 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus ES is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 140 kW while the Lexus ES produces 160 kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 4.9 l/100km while the ES uses 4.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R967 377 for the 3 Series and R925 400 for the ES. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
160 kW
Torque
400 Nm
engine 221 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.9 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
104 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4975 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1865 mm
Height
1440 mm
1445 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2870 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
158 mm
Kerb Weight
1595 DIN / 1670 EU Kg
1740 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
454 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
570 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus ES
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ES
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
ES
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (4.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 160 kW)
Higher starting price
Lexus ES
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R925 400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or ES?
The 3 Series uses 4.9 l/100km and the ES uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or ES?
The 3 Series produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the ES delivers 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque. The ES is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and ES?
The 3 Series starts from R967 377 and the ES from R925 400. The ES is cheaper by R41 977 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or ES?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the ES can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the ES?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.