BMW 3 Series G20 vs Peugeot 508 W23
BMW 3 Series
G20 · 2018 – 2026
The seventh-generation 3 Series (G20), on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform.
Peugeot 508
W23 · 2010 – 2018
The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Peugeot 508
Pick the W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
165 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
220 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
111,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
545 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,82 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
11,2 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | PF3 |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 330e PHEV | 1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 5 |
| 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
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
- 2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Roomy boot (especially SW)
- Comfortable
- Affordable used
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- 1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
- Conventional styling
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 508
The W23 is the 508 that replaced the 407 with a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF3 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and calm on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly when working correctly. It is a comfortable, easy saloon, not a sporty one.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
