BMW 3 Series BMW 5 Series

Two cars on the same rows. The figures are all here, with their sources, so you can read them yourself and decide what matters.

Comparison table

21 of these rows differ. They sit at the top. Figures come straight from the makers, indicative. A bullet (•) marks a differing row.
BMW 3 Series BMW 5 Series
Fuel (differs) Diesel Hybrid
Model years (differs) 2019-now 2023-now
From (indicative) (differs) € 52,900 € 76,900
Status Available Available
RatingsRating figures: higher is better (scale 0-100). What each category measures is explained on the methodology page.
Reliability (differs) 73/100 71/100
Efficiency (differs) 80/100 68/100
Practicality (differs) 72/100 64/100
Value retention (differs) 70/100 68/100
Sustainability (environmental impact) (differs) 34/100 57/100
Specifications
Power (hp) (differs) 190 299
0–100 km/h (s) (differs) 6.9 6.3
Top speed (km/h) (differs) 235 230
Length (mm) (differs) 4713 5060
Width (mm) (differs) 1827 1900
Height (mm) (differs) 1440 1515
Kerb weight (kg) (differs) 1645 2080
Diesel consumption (l/100km) (differs) 4.8
Max. towing weight, braked (kg) (differs) 1800 2000
Boot (l) (differs) 480 410
Battery (kWh) (differs) 19.4
Range (WLTP, km) (differs) 103
Consumption WLTP (l/100km) (differs) 0.7
Body style Sedan Sedan
Seats 5 5
Doors 5 5

OEM datasheets + RDW + ADAC (see methodology); rating and reference dates are listed per figure

Show sources and reference dates per rating
  • BMW 3 Series · Reliability: ADAC breakdown statistics 2025 segment + owner reviews + RDW recalls · reference date 2026-05-18
  • BMW 3 Series · Efficiency: Owner-reported diesel consumption vs WLTP 4.8 l/100km, public forums · reference date 2026-05-18
  • BMW 3 Series · Practicality: Boot 480 l + towing weight 1,800 kg vs segment (manufacturer figure, indicative) · reference date 2026-05-18
  • BMW 3 Series · Value retention: Residual-value indication, valuation guides segment (historical average; diesel demand uncertain) · reference date 2026-05-18
  • BMW 3 Series · Sustainability (environmental impact): WLTP consumption manufacturer figure diesel + exhaust emissions + environmental-zone impact (low-emission zones EU cities), reference date 2026-05-21 · reference date 2026-05-21
  • BMW 5 Series · Reliability: ADAC breakdown statistics 2025 (segment) + aggregated owner reviews + RDW recalls (indicative) · reference date 2026-05-21
  • BMW 5 Series · Efficiency: Owner-reported PHEV consumption depending on charging discipline (public forums, limited n) · reference date 2026-05-18
  • BMW 5 Series · Practicality: Boot 410 l (small for segment due to battery) + towing weight 2,000 kg (manufacturer figure, indicative) · reference date 2026-05-18
  • BMW 5 Series · Value retention: Residual-value indication, segment valuation guides (historical average, indicative) · reference date 2026-05-21
  • BMW 5 Series · Sustainability (environmental impact): WLTP consumption manufacturer figure PHEV 0.7 l/100km + utility-factor critique ICCT PHEV report 2024 · reference date 2026-05-21

Who they are

A short write-up on each car, one paragraph apiece. We describe them on their own terms rather than picking a winner.

Profile · 320d (G20, LCI facelift 2022)

BMW 3 Series

Rear-wheel drive D-segment sedan with the 2.0 four-cylinder turbodiesel plus 48V mild hybrid. WLTP around 4.8 l/100km (manufacturer figure, indicative); on long distance owners report 5-5.5 l/100km (public forums, not measured by us). Braked towing weight 1,800 kg.

Profile · G60 530e (2024)

BMW 5 Series

Eighth-generation BMW 5 Series (G60), introduced 2023. The 530e is a plug-in hybrid with a petrol four-cylinder and an integrated electric motor, together about 299 hp. WLTP electric range around 103 km with the 19.4 kWh net battery (manufacturer figure, indicative).

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No tax or financial advice. Every figure shows its source and reference date. Always compare with an independent adviser and the official source. Source: OEM datasheets + RDW + ADAC (see methodology); rating and reference dates are listed per figure.