BMW 3 Series G20 vs Peugeot 408 P54
BMW 3 Series
G20 · 2018 – 2026
The seventh-generation 3 Series (G20), on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform.
Peugeot 408
P54 · 2022 – 2026
The 408 (P54), a fastback crossover on EMP2 with the electric e-408.
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Peugeot 408
Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and the electric e-408.
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
230 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
10,5 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
92,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
|
120 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
536 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.611 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,79 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
11,2 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
1.400 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | EMP2 (modular) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 330e PHEV | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · e-DSC6 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
- 1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
- PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
- Infotainment software needs updates
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Striking fastback design
- Modern i-Cockpit interior
- All-electric e-408
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- No diesel offered
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
Driving experience
BMW 3 Series
Precise, balanced and still the class benchmark to drive. Steering is quick, accurate and communicative, body control taut, and the rear-drive chassis stays planted yet adjustable through bends. sDrive keeps the classic 3 Series balance and a hint of playfulness; xDrive adds all-weather grip without dulling the nose. The optional adaptive M suspension spans comfortable to firmly controlled. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and free-revving, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay refined, and the 320e/330e plug-in hybrids glide silently on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick and seamless; the early manual is a rare, engaging treat. Overall a poised sports saloon that blends sharp dynamics with everyday comfort.
Peugeot 408
The P54 is a liftback with a crossover stance, and it drives with an easy, planted feel. Built on the EMP2 bones shared with the 308 III, it stays light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the raised body adds visibility without making the ride busy. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels accurate and the car settles into an easy rhythm. The 1.2 Hybrid is eager, the e-408 delivers instant, near-silent torque, and the EAT8 automatic shifts smoothly. It is a comfortable, easy crossover-liftback, not a sporty one.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Peugeot 408
6 for sale · from € 21.495
Peugeot 408 GT-Line · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
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