Car Buyer's Guide

BMW 3 Series: G20 vs G20 LCI 2

BMW 3 Series G20

BMW 3 Series G20

BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2

BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2

Verdict

The BMW 3 Series G20 is the sharper numbers-led choice: 1,470 kg and 7.1 seconds to 100 km/h, despite giving away 3 hp to the LCI 2. Its 6.3 L/100 km rated consumption is also useful for daily Malaysian mileage. The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 counters with a 14.9-inch Curved Display, head-up display and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio, but weighs 1,590 kg and takes 7.4 seconds to 100 km/h. Both retain rear-wheel drive, 300 Nm, a 59-litre tank and 480-litre boot. The newer cabin kit matters more than the mechanical changes here.

G20

Pick the BMW 3 Series G20 if you want the quicker, 120 kg lighter 3 Series with rated 6.3 L/100 km consumption and more money left over.

G20 LCI 2

Pick the BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 if the 14.9-inch display, head-up display, high-beam assistant and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system are priorities.

Key differences

  • Price: BMW 3 Series G20 RM230,764; BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 RM267,800.
  • Power and acceleration: G20 181 hp and 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds; LCI 2 184 hp and 7.4 seconds.
  • Weight: G20 1,470 kg; LCI 2 1,590 kg.
  • Audio/display: G20 10.25-inch touchscreen with six speakers; LCI 2 14.9-inch Curved Display with 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio.
  • Driver aids: G20 has no head-up display and front-seat seatbelt reminders; LCI 2 has a head-up display and reminders for all seats.
  • Lighting: G20 has LED projectors and front foglamps; LCI 2 has LED projectors with high-beam assistant but no front foglamps.

G20

  • 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker.
  • 120 kg lighter at 1,470 kg.
  • Rated fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km.
  • Smaller 10.25-inch screen and six-speaker audio versus the LCI 2's 14.9-inch display and 18-speaker system.
  • No head-up display or high-beam assistant.
  • Seatbelt reminders cover only the front seats, not all five seats.

G20 LCI 2

  • 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional.
  • 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
  • Head-up display, high-beam assistant and seatbelt reminders for all seats.
  • RM37,036 more expensive.
  • 0-100 km/h takes 7.4 seconds versus 7.1 seconds.
  • At 1,590 kg, it is 120 kg heavier.
Price & overview
PriceRM230,764✓RM267,800
Body typeSedanSedan
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
AssemblyCKDCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM379RM379
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing
Capacity1,998 cc1,998 cc
Horsepower181 hp at 5,000 rpm184 hp at 5,000 rpm✓
Torque300 Nm at 1,350 rpm300 Nm at 1,350 rpm
Cylinder ArrangementInline 4Inline 4
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore × Stroke82 mm × 94.6 mm82 mm × 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio1111
Drivetrain
TransmissionConventional AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name8-Speed Steptronic Sport TransmissionSteptronic Sport
Gears88
Transmission ManufacturerZFZF
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h7.1 seconds✓7.4 seconds
Rated Economy6.3 L/100 km—
Top Speed235 km/h235 km/h
Co2144 g/km—
Dimensions
Length4,709 mm4,709 mm
Width1,827 mm1,827 mm
Height1,435 mm1,435 mm
Wheelbase2,851 mm2,851 mm
Weight1,470 kg1,590 kg
Fuel Tank59 litres59 litres
Doors44
Seats55
Boot Space480 litres480 litres
Front Tyre225/45R18225/45R18
Rear Tyre225/45R18225/45R18
Factory TyresHankook Ventus S1 Evo3Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionDouble WishbonesDouble Wishbones
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels18" V Spoke Style 780 Two-tone Alloy18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys
Rear Wheels18" V Spoke Style 780 Two-tone Alloy18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars — Tested with AEB—
Safety
Airbags6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Child Safety LockManual for rear doorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on 2 Outer Rear SeatsAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h)Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h)
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning✓✓
Seatbelt ReminderFront Seats OnlyAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorsLED Projectors with High beam Assistant
TaillampsLED CombinationFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Front Foglamps✓—
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPower Adjustable Front Sports Seats with Driver's Memory FunctionPower Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-folding40:20:40 Split-Folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlSingle-zone Automatic Climate Control
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB-C1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights (11 Colours)Map Lights & Ambient Lighting
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
AudioBMW Navigation System Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller, Voice Control and 6 Speakers14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock
Auto Start/Stop✓✓
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise Control with Brake FunctionPassive Cruise Control
Tiptronic✓—
Paddle Shift✓✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationRemote Control Activation with Contactless OpeningRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYesYes
Auto ParkingYes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing AssistYes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓✓
Head-up Display—✓
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesBMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service, BMW Live Cockpit Professional—
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage Extended—Unlimited✓
Warranty Manufacturer2 years2 years
Warranty Extended—3 years✓

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

G20 vs G20 LCI 2 FAQ

Is the BMW 3 Series G20 or BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 better?

The BMW 3 Series G20 is better for pace, lower weight and rated fuel use. The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 is better equipped inside, adding a 14.9-inch display, head-up display and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio.

What is the price difference?

The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 costs RM37,036 more: RM267,800 versus RM230,764 for the BMW 3 Series G20.

Which BMW 3 Series is quicker?

The BMW 3 Series G20 is quicker to 100 km/h at 7.1 seconds. The BMW 3 Series G20 LCI 2 takes 7.4 seconds, despite its 184 hp output versus 181 hp.

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