Kia Optima vs BMW M3
What's the difference?

Kia Optima

$14,670 - $22,990

2018 price

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BMW M3

$124,800 - $179,990

2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

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

2018 Kia Optima

2023 BMW M3

By Matt Campbell

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.4L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Very roomy
Great ownership plan
Decent price

Brutal acceleration
Surprisingly compliant in the city
Boot space for days

Dislikes

Removed some good stuff to lower price
Not as good looking as pre-facelift model
A bit basic inside

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

2018 Kia Optima Summary

There are plenty of reasons why you should still consider a mid-sized sedan like the Kia Optima. I’m sure there are… just let me think about this for a sec…

Okay, so this part of the market is dying. A decade ago, sedans like this were really popular, but now there are heaps of alternative options. Yep, people are going for mid-sized SUVs rather than mid-sized sedans like this.

But that doesn’t mean models like the just-updated 2018 Kia Optima are without their reasons for being. I’m just not sure the facelift has made it more appealing to look at…

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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

2018 Kia Optima 2023 BMW M3

Verdict

If you travel long distances, want a good amount of space and don’t want to pay big bucks for a new car, then yeah, maybe there is a reason sedans like this will hang around for a while longer.

Sure, the appeal of sedans mightn’t be as strong as it once was, but models like the Kia Optima prove they still have a reason to exist.

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.

Kia Optima vs BMW M3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Optima vs BMW M3
What's the difference?