Shopping for a 2025 BMW 3-Series? Here’s What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

The veteran retains its podium spot

Is there one other BMW as iconic because the BMW 3 Collection? Most likely not. That is the automobile that constructed BMW in America, the place it shortly established itself because the penultimate sports activities sedan, a title it has but to relinquish. It retains its sharp dealing with reflexes, with fast steering, robust brakes, and a well-controlled trip with minimal physique lean. The present technology 3 Collection is obtainable because the 255-horsepower 330i or 386-horsepower M340i, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. Energy comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated with a light hybrid system and an 8-speed automated transmission. 

The EPA charges the 3-Collection at 29 mpg in mixed metropolis/freeway driving, aside from the bottom 330i, which returns 31 mpg. All fashions require premium gas, and towing is rated at 3,747 kilos with trailer brakes. An elective M Sport package deal tightens up the suspension, whereas a Dynamic Dealing with package deal brings adaptive dampers. Each packages remodel this buggy’s trip, rendering it agency however not punishing.

The inside homes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant console-mounted controls. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are customary, whereas a head-up show is elective. The cabin’s trendy design and ambient lighting make it really feel effectively value its value, with agency and cozy seats. Trunk area is excellent at 17 cubic ft – pretty giant for this sedan’s total size. The three-Collection actually stays the world’s greatest sports activities sedan, however you would possibly surprise what its competitors is like. Right here’s a sampling of the 3-Collection’ continental rivals.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

From a sheer efficiency standpoint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can greater than maintain its personal dynamically in opposition to the BMW 3 Collection. Oozing with model, it’s supplied with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower by an eight-speed automated transmission to the rear wheels or all 4. It’s EPA-rated at 27 mpg in mixed metropolis/freeway driving with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg with all-wheel drive. Premium gas is required, and towing is rated at 3,500 kilos. Trunk area can also be pretty good, measuring 17 cubic ft.

A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come customary. Even when the Giulia’s inside finishes aren’t fairly as particular as its German rivals, its seats’ aggressive bolsters and opulent leather-based telegraph that you just’re in a sports activities sedan. Its quick, dynamic really feel can have you grinning each minute you are behind the wheel, with balanced dealing with, fast steering, and engine and exhaust noises that can make sure that you will by no means take heed to the radio.

Audi A4

Audi fashions have at all times benefited from a quiet sophistication that belies their adept efficiency. Then once more, it’s at all times the quiet ones that it’s a must to watch. That is the ultimate 12 months for the A4 sedan, which is powered by a 261-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gentle hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission with customary all-wheel drive. It’s EPA-rated at 29 mpg and requires premium gas with a 1,580-lb towing capability. Whereas the Audi proves athletic when roads flip twisty, it presents a bit extra damping than the BMW and a bit extra consolation in consequence.

The cabin is roomy, though trunk area is tight at 12 cubic ft. The A4’s instrument panel is anchored by a ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with elegant graphics that eschew the circus-like consumer interface utilized by its German rivals. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are customary. A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is out there on Premium Plus and Status fashions. The Audi A4 is an extremely competent but quietly refined luxurious compact sports activities sedan that doesn’t must shout its intentions.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz sedans are like Russian stacking dolls; what you anticipate on one, you’ll be able to anticipate on others, simply sized in a different way. And whereas the corporate might use a single formulation, it really works, producing vehicles which might be uniquely merchandise of the three-pointed star. Fantastically styled and detailed, the C-Class is powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gentle hybrid system that funnels its energy by a nine-speed automated transmission to the true wheels or all 4. EPA-rated at 29 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 27 mpg with all-wheel drive, all C-Class fashions require premium unleaded gas. Its towing capability is 3,950 kilos with trailer brakes. Trunk area measures 13 cubic ft.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wi-fi smartphone charging are customary, whereas a head-up show is out there. The C-Class handles like a sports activities sedan, however its steering and brakes return a really feel that trails the best-in-class. It nonetheless proves to be an opulent car, although, emitting an upscale vibe that’s distinctly Mercedes-Benz.

Volvo S60

Volvo has applied few adjustments to the S60, which counts the 2025 mannequin 12 months as its final. That is too dangerous, as its cool Scandinavian elan is exclusive, giving it a novel presence that’s unmistakably Volvo. It comes with both a 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is as unexciting because it sounds, or as a plug-in hybrid with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 40 miles of pure electrical driving vary. The four-cylinder S60 is EPA-rated at 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 31 mpg when working its fuel engine, and all Volvo S60s use premium gas. The towing capability is 2,000 kilos. Trunk area is on the small aspect at 12 cubic ft.

Inside, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up show are customary. You’ll discover the inside high quality to be wonderful, with a restrained sumptuousness that performs to its persona. The S60 isn’t actually a sports activities sedan. Though it acquits itself effectively sufficient, it lacks the edgy, linked really feel that the perfect on this class supply. If you happen to desire a bit extra consolation, nevertheless, that is your trip.

Closing ideas

The BMW 3 Collection stays the best-in-class amongst sports activities sedans and stays the mannequin each different automaker appears to mimic. The Alfa Romeo actually challenges the BMW’s efficiency cred, however inside high quality prevents it from being its equal. The Mercedes-Benz comes shut however fails to ship the essence of an amazing sports activities sedan, as an alternative providing a quintessential modern luxurious expertise. The Audi delivers the compelling dealing with you’d anticipate with a quiet dignity that’s the model’s modern-day hallmark. Lastly, we’ve got the Volvo, which isn’t the sports activities sedan you anticipate however delivers it in a package deal that’s wholly its personal.

There’s no unsuitable reply amongst this crowd, with every automobile delivering a novel, pleasing persona. Take every for a trip and see which European magnificence greatest speaks to your wants.

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