BMW M3 vs BYD Yuan Plus
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW M3 | BYD Yuan Plus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 510 | 204 | +150.0% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 650 | 310 | +109.7% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (C-NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Single-speed | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $108,324 | $18,172 | +496.1% |
- BMW M3 makes about 150% more power (510 vs 204 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 Yuan Plus?
BMW M3 advantages
- Engine power (+60%)
- Pulling torque (+52%)
BYD Yuan Plus advantages
- Affordability (+83%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the BYD Yuan Plus if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW M3 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
BYD Yuan Plus delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW M3 vs BYD Yuan Plus: 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 Yuan Plus (2025 Honor Edition 510KM) — electric suv with 204 hp and 310 Nm, rated at 12.5 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $18,172 in the China market.
BMW M3 vs BYD Yuan Plus: BMW M3 is more powerful. BMW M3 makes about 150% more power (510 vs 204 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 BMW M3 is the more powerful, at 510 hp against 204 hp, with 650 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a automatic 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 Yuan Plus 5 stars by C-NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The BYD Yuan Plus lists lower at about $18,172 (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 Yuan Plus?
BMW M3 takes the overall edge, though BYD Yuan Plus wins in specific areas worth weighing. BMW M3 makes about 150% more power (510 vs 204 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW M3 and the BYD Yuan Plus?
BMW M3 makes about 150% more power (510 vs 204 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 Yuan Plus delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the BYD Yuan Plus 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.