How much horsepower does a BMW 3 Series have?
What power outputs are available and which is the most powerful 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series horsepower varies from model to model. For example, the entry-level 320i gets 184hp, and the top-spec M3 Competition (saloon and Touring) gets a staggering 530hp.
The good thing is, that means you can pick the power output to suit you – whether you favour fuel economy or all-out performance.
What is horsepower?
Simply put, horsepower is a metric used to measure the performance of an engine or electric motor, and essentially shows how hard it can work.
In the UK, we use horsepower (HP), but there are other names for it, too.
BHP – short for brake horsepower, this is the ‘nerdier’ figure to use because, unlike HP, it accounts for the frictional losses of power from an engine. This is why HP figures will always be higher than BHP figures.
PS – this stands for Pferdestärke, which translates to ‘horsepower’ in German and is commonly used across Europe. PS numbers are also usually higher than HP because 1ps = 0.98hp.
kW – meaning kilowatt, this is most commonly used in Europe to describe electric vehicle horsepower. One kilowatt is equivalent to 1.34 mechanical horsepower.
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Horsepower figures for each BMW 3 Series model
BMW 3 Series HP is forever changing depending on the model you have.
As we touched above, there can be differences of hundreds of horsepower between each model, but which are the ones you need to know about?
Entry-level
Kicking off the BMW 3 Series range is the petrol 320i M Sport saloon that produces 184hp from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
The next step up is the 330i with a healthy shove of extra power up to 255hp. Then there’s the 330e with a little more power (292hp) and plug-in hybrid assistance.
High-performance
Move to the top of the range and you start to see some really impressive power figures.
The highest level you can get to before hitting the hardcore M model is the M340i, which pumps out 374hp from its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine.
Sitting above this is the M3 Competition, producing a whopping 530hp from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.
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The impact of horsepower on the driving experience
Horsepower has a massive impact on a car’s overall driving experience, but not all cars are better with more horsepower as there are so many variables at play.
Acceleration and speed
If you’re seeking the most amount of acceleration and speed, more horsepower would be beneficial.
This is why hypercars such as the Bugatti Tourbillon and Koenigsegg Regera produce upwards of 1,300hp.
However, in the case of the 3 Series, the M3 Competition has the most power, which helps it get from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 182mph.
Handling and control
On the other hand, horsepower isn't everything when it comes to handling.
We may be controversial in saying handling is more important than horsepower, but we completely stand by it.
There’s much more driver enjoyment and involvement in a perfectly balanced car than outright speed – when will you be able to enjoy 1,300hp?
In some cases, you get the best of both worlds like with the driver-focused M3, but this isn’t always the case.
Is there a definitive sweet spot for horsepower and handling? No, not really. Your best bet is to do your research, shop around and try these cars out for yourself because everyone’s preferences are different.
 "BMW 3 Series Touring front")
BMW 3 Series competitor comparison
The BMW 3 Series has some tough competition when it comes to performance, and it’s not just other German cars it has to worry about.
Rivals include:
BMW 3 Series: 184hp-530hp
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 227hp-680hp
Audi A4: 145hp-450hp
Volvo S60: 163hp-450hp
Tesla Model 3: 279hp-446hp
Skoda Superb: 148hp-190hp
Jaguar XE: 157hp-582hp
Alfa Romeo Giulia: 280hp-505hp