VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
230 kW
Torque
300 Nm
360 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
—
Towing
1600 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.4 s
5.9 s
Engine
1998 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the BYD Seal is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 135 kW while the BYD Seal produces 230 kW. Pricing starts at R970 231 for the 3 Series and R1 007 900 for the Seal. 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
135 kW
230 kW
Torque
300 Nm
360 Nm
0-100 kph
7.4 s
5.9 s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
179 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
82.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4800 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1875-2150 mm
Height
1440 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2920 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
145 mm
Kerb Weight
1515 DIN / 1590 EU Kg
2055 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
50 front + 400 rear l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
750 Kg
Load Capacity
555 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
✓ Standard
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
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Seal
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
3 Series
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Lower starting price (R970 231)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 230 kW)
BYD Seal
More powerful engine (230 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the 3 Series or Seal?
The 3 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Seal delivers 230 kW and 360 Nm of torque. The Seal is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and Seal?
The 3 Series starts from R970 231 and the Seal from R1 007 900. The 3 Series is cheaper by R37 669 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or Seal?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Seal can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the Seal?
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.