Specs, Tech, MPG, and Pricing

The BMW 3 Collection obtained a bunch of upgrades in 2023 after which obtained some extra for the 2025 mannequin yr. Whereas modifications for the most recent mannequin yr are nearer to “nonexistent” than “main,” the 2026 BMW 3 Collection isn’t precisely down for the rely. Its wonderful customary tech options, peerless powertrain choices, and inoffensive styling enable it to handily stay the usual bearer for compact luxurious sedans — even when taking a yr off from self-improvement. We extremely suggest the G20 3 Collection, particularly the M340i, and actually a couple of BMWBLOG author has acquired one for themselves through the years. You’ll be able to try our 2025 M340i review and a long-term M340i xDrive review for a good suggestion of what to anticipate from the 2026 BMW 3 Collection.

Engine Choices, Transmission, and Efficiency

The three Collection is accessible with four- or six-cylinder engines, xDrive all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. There aren’t actually any unhealthy selections right here, and your selection must be in step with what you want the automotive to do. The usual 330i makes do with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Stepping as much as the M340i will get you entry to the legendary B58 engine, rated at 386 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The quickest 3 Collection not sporting an M3 badge is the M340i xDrive, which may reliably obtain a zero to 60 mph time of round 4.1 seconds.

Gas Economic system and Actual-World Effectivity

The 2026 BMW 3 Collection doubtless gained’t be examined for gas financial system, however we count on effectivity to stay unchanged from final yr’s mannequin. Rear-wheel drive vehicles get the most effective gas financial system, because the 330i achieves 28 mpg metropolis and 35 mpg freeway for a mixed 31 mpg mixed. Regardless of an enormous energy benefit, the M340i achieves almost as spectacular numbers, returning an estimated 27/33/29 mpg. xDrive drops these numbers just a bit bit, and each vehicles get 29 mpg mixed and 26 mpg within the metropolis. 4-pot fashions have a slight benefit on the freeway, getting 34 mpg the place the M340i xDrive will get 34 mpg.

Inside Options and Cargo Area

The three Collection inside noticed minor enhancements simply final yr, and nothing modifications for the brand new mannequin yr. SensaTec comes customary and is greater than “ok,” however a $1,500 upcharge for Vernasca leather-based is decidedly cheap. We suggest stepping as much as no less than the $1,100 Comfort Package deal on 330i fashions, which provides a heated steering wheel, energy tailgate, and extra driver help options. The $900 Harman Kardon sound system might be definitely worth the improve too, though should you’re a real audiophile you’ll doubtless wish to look to the aftermarket.

With 17 cubic toes of trunk area, the 2026 BMW 3 Collection outperforms each the Mercedes C-Class (12 cubic toes) and Genesis G70 (11 cubic toes). The Audi A5 — keep in mind, the Audi A4 is now MIA — is technically extra of a hatchback. Because of this, it presents commensurately extra room for issues, 26 cubic toes. However so far as conventional three-box sedans go, the three Collection continues to be a normal bearer for the phase.

Know-how and Connectivity

All the most recent techno gadgetry comes customary with the 2026 BMW 3 Collection, together with a 14.9-inch middle display and 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Voice instructions, navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM radio are all included. The three Collection, in comparison with its rivals, presents quite a lot of worth on this realm, with rivals like Mercedes providing the necessities — like wi-fi telephone compatibility — however not lots of the extras. Essentially the most tech-savvy buyers will doubtless discover quite a lot of worth within the Premium Package deal. For $1,950, you get a head-up show, distant engine begin, and plenty of extra driver aids.

Security Options and Driver Help Choices

The 2026 BMW 3 Collection comes with lane-keeping help, Ahead Collision Mitigation, and pace restrict data displayed within the sprint. Virtually all the things else from BMW’s suite of driver help options will be added, but it surely’ll value you. Once more, the Comfort Package deal is simple to suggest, because it additionally consists of blind spot detection and lane-departure warning. Finest $1,100 you possibly can spend on a brand new 3 Collection. Previous that, the $500 Driving Help Package deal can be a very good worth. It provides distance management to cruise management programs, which can even be capable to carry your automotive to and from an entire cease. Brief stops (below three seconds) solely, although. Curiously, it has truly gotten $200 cheaper year-over-year. Worth!

Different worth buys embody the $800 Parking Help Package deal, which now additionally consists of facet safety and continues to supply self-parking and a 360-degree digital camera system. We’re much less favorable of the $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Package deal. However should you actually need your 2026 BMW 3 Collection to drive itself in rush hour site visitors, there isn’t any manner round it.

Pricing and Trim Breakdown

Final yr, the three Collection began at $45,400. This yr, you’ll pay a bit of bit extra. Base MSRP for the 2026 BMW 3 Collection is $47,500 earlier than vacation spot charges ($48,675 all-in). The Genesis G70 is a discount by comparability, commanding $44,245 and providing extra horsepower, customary driver aids, bigger 19-inch alloys, and a cabin with a couple of extra buttons in it. Which may be a constructive or a destructive relying on who you might be. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class begins at $49,600; in the meantime the liftback A5 will be yours for across the similar.

Closing Verdict: Ought to You Purchase the 2026 BMW 3 Collection?

As we mentioned at the beginning of the story, we’ve put our cash the place our mouth is a number of occasions all through the G20 3 Collection’s lifecycle. It’s a hard-to-beat worth in its phase and does an ideal job channeling traits that ha made BMW an ideal worth for many years. The 2026 BMW 3 Collection begins manufacturing in August 2025 and can stay in manufacturing via subsequent yr.