Price, Value, and Segment Standouts (2025)

With over 20 million units offered since its debut 5 a long time in the past, the 3 Series is BMW’s most profitable mannequin, persistently setting the benchmark for sports activities sedans with its flawless mixture of efficiency, consolation, luxurious, expertise, and high quality. Moreover, it additionally stays surprisingly inexpensive.

The 330i, for instance, begins at $47,500—a worth remarkably near the average transaction price (ATP) for all new automobiles in America ($48,907). After all, upgrading to the 330i xDrive ($49,500) or the 340i ($61,700) and including choices such because the Driving Help Skilled Bundle ($1,700) and Premium Bundle ($1,550-$1,950) might push the worth to $55,000-$65,000. Even then, that’s corresponding to the ATP of luxurious automobiles ($58,247).

However what in regards to the competitors? How do different compact luxurious sedans measure up in opposition to the G20’s worth/worth proposition? This text goals to reply that.

European Opponents

The G20’s foremost rivals are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A5, with MSRPs of $48,450 and $49,700, respectively. Whereas the worth distinction is minimal, the three Collection stays our high suggestion. In spite of everything, Car and Driver locations the G20 3 Series on the high of its listing for luxurious sedans below $50,000, forward of the A5. Whereas Edmunds charges it as one of the best luxurious compact sedan, forward of the C-Class.

Admittedly, extra inexpensive European alternate options have additionally existed, such because the Alfa Romeo Giulia (Motor Pattern’s 2018 Automotive of the Yr) and the Volvo S60, however each have reached the top of their lifecycle.

Asian Opponents

The Lexus IS ($41,830) and ES ($43,435) are each cheaper than the three Collection and maybe supply higher high quality and dependability. That is validated by J.D. Power’s 2025 Preliminary High quality Research, which named Lexus the highest-rated model and the IS the highest-rated compact premium automobile.

In the meantime, there’s additionally the Acura Integra ($33,000) and the Genesis G70 ($42,500). Notably, the G70 gained Motor Pattern’s 2019 Automotive of the Yr title, albeit it lacks the identify recognition that the three Collection enjoys.

American Opponents

The three Collection’ most vital American rival is maybe the Tesla Model 3 ($42,490). The latter stands out for its extremely superior digital interface and a powerful electrical powertrain that gives a 363-mile vary and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Whereas high quality and reliability do stay a priority, the Mannequin 3 comprehensively outsells the three Collection with 189,903 deliveries final 12 months (in comparison with the G20’s 31,330 items).

What about Cadillac? Nicely, with an MSRP of $35,600, the Cadillac CT4 undercuts the three Collection by over $10,000. In actual fact, price-wise, Cadillac’s competitor to the three Collection is the CT5 ($48,600), which is positioned in opposition to the 5 Collection. Nonetheless, this discounted worth doesn’t mirror higher worth for cash—if something, it simply tells you the way weak the Cadillac model has change into.

Conclusion

Many of the 3 Collection’ rivals have a decrease MSRP, however not all of them present higher worth. For a digitally targeted and sustainable possibility, the Mannequin 3 is the clear alternative. The Lexus IS, in the meantime, ensures segment-leading high quality and reliability. Lastly, the C-Class and the A5 are the closest to the three Collection when it comes to the general bundle.

Our choose will all the time be the G20. Even on the finish of its lifecycle, it stays a really spectacular car. The M340i, particularly, is arguably one of the best each day driver a few of us right here at BMWBLOG have ever gotten our fingers on.