BMW 3 Series 318d Essential AT (2015) vs Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of BMW 3 Series 318d Essential AT (2015) vs Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | BMW 3 Series 318d Essential AT (2015) BMW ₱2,490,000 | Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018) Nissan ₱2,165,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2015 | 2018 |
| Warranty | Unlimited/2-years | 3-years/100,000km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1995cc | 2488cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Max Power | 143 PS @ 4000 rpm | 129 PS @ 3200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750 - 2500 rpm | 356 Nm @ 1400 - 2000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed A/T | 5-speed A/T |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 15:1 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Segment | D | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body on Frame |
| Doors | 4 | 3 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 15 |
| Length (mm) | 4624 | 5230 |
| Width (mm) | 1811 | 1880 |
| Height (mm) | 1429 | 2285 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2810 | 2940 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1505 | 2255 |
| Exterior Colors | — | Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, Alpine White, Topaz Brown, Graphite Black |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 65 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Torsion Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Rigid Axle w/ Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 17-inch alloys | 15 steel |
| Rear Wheels | 17-inch alloys | 15 steel |
| Front Tires | 225/50/R17 | 195/70/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 225/50/R17 | 195/70/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | tilt | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | No |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | No | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | No | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | No |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Manual Aircon | Manual Air Conditioning |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Fabric |
| Parking Brake | Manual | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | No |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | No |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | No |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 4 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | Halogen + Foglamps | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | No |
BMW 3 Series 318d Essential AT (2015) vs Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer deciding between the 2015 BMW 3 Series 318d Essential AT and the 2018 Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT, the choice hinges on intended use and budget. The BMW, priced at ₱2,490,000, is a premium compact sedan with a sportier character: it delivers 143 PS and 320 Nm, comes with an 8‑speed automatic, and offers a sleek 4‑door sedan layout for 2+3 occupants. Its unlimited/2‑year warranty and unibody construction add to a refined ownership experience, but the higher price and limited seating make it less practical for large families or cargo. The Nissan Urvan, at ₱2,165,000, is a van built on a body‑on‑frame chassis, providing three doors, a spacious interior for up to 15 passengers, and a larger 2.5‑L turbo diesel that produces 129 PS and a higher torque of 356 Nm at lower rpm, which is useful for heavy loads. Its 5‑speed automatic and 3‑year/100,000 km warranty give solid value for group transport or commercial use. In summary, choose the BMW if you want a premium, driver‑focused sedan for personal or small‑family use and can afford the premium price. Opt for the Nissan Urvan if you need higher passenger capacity, better low‑end torque for hauling, and a lower purchase price for family or business purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is cheaper?
The Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT costs ₱2,165,000, which is ₱325,000 less than the BMW 3 Series 318d Essential AT priced at ₱2,490,000.
Which model offers more power?
The BMW 3 Series 318d produces 143 PS, while the Nissan Urvan generates 129 PS, making the BMW the more powerful unit.
Which vehicle provides higher torque for heavy loads?
The Nissan Urvan delivers 356 Nm of torque between 1,400‑2,000 rpm, surpassing the BMW’s 320 Nm, giving the Urvan better low‑end pulling power.
Which is more practical for a large family or commercial use?
The Nissan Urvan, with its van body type, three doors and capacity for many passengers, is far more practical for large families or business transport than the 4‑door sedan BMW, which seats only 2+3.