BMW M3 vs BYD Song L EV
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW M3 | BYD Song L EV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 510 | 517 | -1.4% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 650 | 670 | -3.0% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (C-NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Single-speed | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $108,324 | $34,972 | +209.7% |
- BYD Song L EV makes about 1% more power (517 vs 510 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Germany and China); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: M3 or Song L EV?
BMW M3 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
BYD Song L EV advantages
- Affordability (+68%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BYD Song L EV if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
BYD Song L EV delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW M3 vs BYD Song L EV: which should you choose?
BMW M3 (2024 Competition xDrive) — petrol sedan with 510 hp and 650 Nm, rated at 9.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $108,324 in the Germany market.
BYD Song L EV (2023 Excellence AWD 602KM) — electric suv with 517 hp and 670 Nm, rated at 14.5 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $34,972 in the China market.
BMW M3 vs BYD Song L EV: BYD Song L EV is more powerful. BYD Song L EV makes about 1% more power (517 vs 510 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The BYD Song L EV is the more powerful, at 517 hp against 510 hp, with 670 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Petrol vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
BMW M3 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and BYD Song L EV 5 stars by C-NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The BYD Song L EV lists lower at about $34,972 (USD-converted from the China market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M3 better than the BYD Song L EV?
BYD Song L EV is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. BYD Song L EV makes about 1% more power (517 vs 510 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW M3 and the BYD Song L EV?
BYD Song L EV makes about 1% more power (517 vs 510 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
BYD Song L EV delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BYD Song L EV if you want the lower upfront cost.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.