Hyundai Sonata vs BMW M3
What's the difference?

Hyundai Sonata

$38,990 - $51,990

2024 price

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BMW M3

$124,800 - $179,990

2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A200

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2024 Hyundai Sonata

2023 BMW M3

By Laura Berry

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Update brings modern exterior
Double 12.3-inch cabin displays
Great performance and dynamics for the class

Brutal acceleration
Surprisingly compliant in the city
Boot space for days

Dislikes

No Sonata station wagon
Only one version - the N Line
No hybrid or EV variant

Carbon pack a little (a lot) silly
Thirsty as all get out
Design a little polarising (though I like it)

2024 Hyundai Sonata Summary

The Hyundai Sonata N Line is a sedan. Not a hatchback, not a fastback, nor a coupe and definitely not an SUV.

And even though only a handful of people in Australia buy the Sonata N Line each year it’s been updated with a completely different look and new technology, making it an outstanding car in many ways.

The thing is, because we’re obsessed with SUVs in Australia most people will never know how good this sedan is - unlike you.

So, let me congratulate you for making it this far. There’s probably so few of you I could possibly congratulate all of you in person. In an afternoon.

The big question is, though, is the Sonata N Line fit for Aussie families? Well, it scores well, but maybe not where it counts…

Let’s see what’s new and what the Sonata N Line can do.

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2023 BMW M3 Summary

There’s no point waxing too lyrical here, because the facts surrounding the M3 Touring are more than exciting enough.

It’s a (kind of) family friendly wagon with oodles of space and practicality. It’s also an unhinged performance weapon with a thumping 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine.

And it has been years — decades, even — in the making. So, has it been worth the wait? Let’s strap in and find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Hyundai Sonata 2023 BMW M3

Verdict

The updated Sonata N Line looks beautifully modern from its new face to the refreshed cockpit, while remaining a ‘driver’s car’ with good dynamics, and a sporty engine.

The Sonata isn’t an ideal family car, however. This is down to a lack of practicality. Although the cabin is fairly roomy, if that roofline wasn’t so coupe-like and cabin storage was better, and the boot had a large hatch opening, and the ride height was more elevated then it would be a great family car. Oh, I’ve just described an SUV.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Long live the mighty wagon. The BMW M3 Touring is treat to look at, and an even bigger treat to drive.

If you want one, act fast. We waited a long time for a wagon-shaped M3, and with electrification increasing in the automotive industry, this will likely be your last chance.

Hyundai Sonata vs BMW M3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Sonata vs BMW M3
What's the difference?