Mazda CX-30 vs BMW M3
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mazda CX-30 | BMW M3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 130 | 510 | -74.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 270 | 650 | -58.5% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 19.2 | 9.9 | +93.9% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (JNCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | 6AT | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $21,384 | $108,324 | -80.3% |
- BMW M3 makes about 75% more power (510 vs 130 hp).
- Mazda CX-30 is the more economical, at 19.2 km/L against 9.9.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Japan and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: CX-30 or M3?
Mazda CX-30 advantages
- Fuel economy (+48%)
- Affordability (+80%)
BMW M3 advantages
- Engine power (+75%)
- Pulling torque (+58%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mazda CX-30 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mazda CX-30 if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Mazda CX-30 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Mazda CX-30 vs BMW M3: which should you choose?
Mazda CX-30 (2026 XD L Package) — diesel suv with 130 hp and 270 Nm, rated at 19.2 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $21,384 in the Japan market.
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.
Mazda CX-30 vs BMW M3: BMW M3 is more powerful. BMW M3 makes about 75% more power (510 vs 130 hp). Mazda CX-30 is the more economical, at 19.2 km/L against 9.9.
Performance
The BMW M3 is the more powerful, at 510 hp against 130 hp, with 650 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Mazda CX-30 is more economical at 19.2 km/L against 9.9 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Mazda CX-30 is rated 5 stars by JNCAP and BMW M3 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Mazda CX-30 lists lower at about $21,384 (USD-converted from the Japan 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 Mazda CX-30 better than the BMW M3?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW M3 makes about 75% more power (510 vs 130 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mazda CX-30 and the BMW M3?
BMW M3 makes about 75% more power (510 vs 130 hp). Mazda CX-30 is the more economical, at 19.2 km/L against 9.9.
Which is better value?
Mazda CX-30 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter. Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
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.