BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Essential AT (2014) vs Toyota Alphard 3.5 L V6 AT (2015)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Essential AT (2014) vs Toyota Alphard 3.5 L V6 AT (2015) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Essential AT (2014) BMW ₱3,590,000 | Toyota Alphard 3.5 L V6 AT (2015) Toyota ₱3,379,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2014 | 2015 |
| Warranty | Unlimited/2-years | 100,000km/3-years |
| Availability | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | V6 |
| Displacement | 1997cc | 3456cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 24-valve |
| Aspiration | Twin Turbo Direct Injection | Naturally Aspirated, Dual VVT-I |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| Max Power | 245 PS @ 5000-6500 rpm | 275 PS @ 6200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm @ 1250-4800 rpm | 340 Nm @ 4700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed A/T | 4-Speed A/T |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Segment | D | M |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 2+2+3 |
| Length (mm) | 4624 | 4850 |
| Width (mm) | 1811 | 1830 |
| Height (mm) | 1429 | 1905 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2810 | 2950 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1530 | — |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson | MacPherson |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17x7.5" Alloys | 16x7.0 |
| Rear Wheels | 17x7.5" Alloys | 16x7.0 |
| Front Tires | 225/60/R17 | 215/45 R16 |
| Rear Tires | 225/60/R17 | 215/45 R16 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Steering Type | Hydraulic | — |
| Steering Column | tilt | tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | No | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | No | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | No | Yes |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | Yes |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | Yes |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | Yes |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | — | Yes |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | Yes |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | Yes |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Manual | EPB |
| Key Type | Comfort Access Key | Comfort Access Key |
| Push-Button Start | No | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | Yes |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Navigation | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | Yes |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 8 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | HID + Foglamps | HID |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | No |
BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Essential AT (2014) vs Toyota Alphard 3.5 L V6 AT (2015): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer, the choice between the BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Essential AT (2014) and the Toyota Alphard 3.5 L V6 AT (2015) hinges on lifestyle needs. The BMW is a sporty sedan with 245 PS and 350 Nm torque, paired with an 8-speed A/T and RWD, offering a dynamic driving experience. It seats 5 and has a 4624 mm length, making it suitable for daily commuting and spirited driving. However, its price is ₱3,590,000, higher than the Alphard's ₱3,379,000. The Alphard is a spacious van with a V6 engine producing 275 PS and 340 Nm, but with a 4-speed A/T and FWD. It seats 7 (2+2+3) and has a longer 4850 mm body, ideal for families or those needing passenger and cargo space. The Alphard offers more power (275 PS vs 245 PS) and a longer warranty (3 years vs 2 years), but the BMW has a more advanced transmission. For a buyer prioritizing driving pleasure and prestige, choose the BMW. For family utility, comfort, and lower price, the Alphard is better. Both are discontinued, so availability is limited.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
The Toyota Alphard is cheaper at ₱3,379,000 compared to the BMW 3 Series at ₱3,590,000.
Which is more powerful?
The Toyota Alphard has higher max power at 275 PS, while the BMW produces 245 PS.
Which is better for daily commuting?
The BMW 3 Series, with its 8-speed A/T and RWD, offers a sportier and more engaging drive for daily commuting, but the Alphard's spacious interior and FWD provide comfort for families.
Which has more seating capacity?
The Toyota Alphard seats 7 (2+2+3), while the BMW 3 Series seats 5 (2+3).