BMW M3 G80 vs Peugeot 408 P54

BMW M3

G80 · 2021 – 2026

The current M3 (G80), BMW’s high-performance saloon on the CLAR platform.

Peugeot 408

P54 · 2022 – 2026

The 408 (P54), a fastback crossover on EMP2 with the electric e-408.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW M3

Pick the G80 for the first M3 with optional M xDrive and a manual base variant — S58 pace with everyday saloon practicality.

Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 408

Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and the electric e-408.

Best engine: The 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or the e-408 for full electric.

Read the full guide

Performance

M3 Competition · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	BMW M3	Peugeot 408
Power	510 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	650 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	3,9 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	286,5 hp/t Winner	92,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	230 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	10,5 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW M3	Peugeot 408
Boot	480 L	536 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.611 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,79 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	—
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	1.400 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW M3	Peugeot 408
Platform	CLAR (G80, rear-wheel drive or xDrive)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	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	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW M3

Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
Oil-cooler or seal sweating (early cars)
Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)

Peugeot 408

1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

BMW M3

Rear-wheel drive retains classic M balance
xDrive versions are quicker and more secure in poor grip
Usable rear seats and a 480 L boot for a performance saloon

Peugeot 408

Striking fastback design
Modern i-Cockpit interior
All-electric e-408

Cons

BMW M3

Big and heavy (~1,705–1,940 kg)
Firm ride, especially in stiffer settings

Peugeot 408

No diesel offered
Boot smaller than classic saloons

Driving experience

BMW M3

Powerful, refined and highly capable. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a highly versatile high-performance saloon that balances dynamics with everyday usability better than many predecessors.

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.