BMW 3 Series G20 vs Volkswagen Passat B8

BMW 3 Series

G20 · 2018 – 2026

The seventh-generation 3 Series (G20), on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform.

Volkswagen Passat

B8 · 2014 – 2023

The eighth-generation Passat (B8), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW 3 Series

Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.

Best engine: The 320i (petrol) or 320d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Passat

Pick the Passat for a roomy, refined family car with a huge boot and strong diesels for long distances.

Best engine: The 2.0 TDI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

B48 320i · Petrol vs 2.0 TDI 150 · Diesel

	BMW 3 Series	Volkswagen Passat
Power	184 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	300 Nm	340 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,1 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	125,2 hp/t Winner	98,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	134 g/km	109 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	4,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW 3 Series	Volkswagen Passat
Boot	480 L	586 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.152 L
Wheelbase	2,85 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,71 m	4,77 m
Ground clearance	14,4 cm	14,5 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.600 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW 3 Series	Volkswagen Passat
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 330e PHEV	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 Gen 3 1.8/2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI · GTE PHEV
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW 3 Series

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Volkswagen Passat

EA888 chain and oil consumption at high mileage (early 1.8/2.0 TSI)
Haldex 4Motion service (fluid/clutch)
Electronic parking-brake and software campaigns

Pros

BMW 3 Series

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Volkswagen Passat

Facelift (2019) brought improved DSG options and electronics
Alltrack variant with 4Motion and higher ground clearance
GTE PHEV with electric range for the city

Cons

BMW 3 Series

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

Volkswagen Passat

Saloon boot (586 l) smaller than the Variant (650 l)
Bigger and less agile than a Golf

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.

Volkswagen Passat

Comfortable, spacious and easy to cover ground in. The Passat steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well, and stays quiet at speed, with the Variant estate adding real practicality. Front-drive is the base; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is smooth and economical, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance workhorse, and the GTE plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth. It is a refined, tech-heavy family car that does everything well and has long been the default fleet choice.