BMW 3 Series vs Peugeot 408

BMW 3 Series
BMW’s compact executive saloon.
VS

Peugeot 408
Peugeot’s sharp-lined fastback crossover.
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…
Peugeot 408
Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and an electric option.
Best engine: The 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or the e-408 for full electric.
Read the full guide
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
|
| Width |
1,83 m
|
1,85 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,48 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
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 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Plug-in hybrid · Electric |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 6-speed manual · e-DSC6 · EAT8 · single-speed |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6/6d · N/A (e-408) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6/6d petrol and the e-408 allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW 3 Series
- Early iDrive/infotainment quirks
- DPF on diesels doing mainly short trips
- Timing chain rare but known on B48
Peugeot 408
- 1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
- PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
- Infotainment software needs updates
Pros
BMW 3 Series
- Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
- Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
- Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment
Peugeot 408
- Striking fastback design
- Modern i-Cockpit interior
- Electric e-408 available
Cons
BMW 3 Series
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension
- Rear seat less roomy than some rivals
Peugeot 408
- No diesel offered
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
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