With over 20 million items bought since its debut 5 many years in the past, the 3 Collection is BMW’s most profitable mannequin, constantly 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 common transaction worth (ATP) for all new automobiles in America ($48,907). In fact, upgrading to the 330i xDrive ($49,500) or the 340i ($61,700) and including choices such because the Driving Help Skilled Package deal ($1,700) and Premium Package deal ($1,550-$1,950) might push the worth to $55,000-$65,000. Even then, that’s akin to the ATP of luxurious automobiles ($58,247).
However what in regards to the competitors? How do different compact luxurious sedans measure up towards the G20’s worth/worth proposition? This text goals to reply that.
European Opponents
The G20’s major 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 any case, Automotive and Driver locations the G20 3 Collection on the high of its checklist for luxurious sedans below $50,000, forward of the A5. Whereas Edmunds charges it as the perfect luxurious compact sedan, forward of the C-Class.
Admittedly, extra inexpensive European options have additionally existed, such because the Alfa Romeo Giulia (Motor Development’s 2018 Automotive of the 12 months) and the Volvo S60, however each have reached the tip of their lifecycle.
Asian Opponents
The Lexus IS ($41,830) and ES ($43,435) are each cheaper than the three Collection and maybe provide higher high quality and dependability. That is validated by J.D. Energy’s 2025 Preliminary High quality Examine, 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 Development’s 2019 Automotive of the 12 months title, albeit it lacks the identify recognition that the three Collection enjoys.
American Opponents
The three Collection’ most important American rival is probably the Tesla Mannequin 3 ($42,490). The latter stands out for its extremely superior digital interface and a formidable electrical powertrain that provides 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 reality, price-wise, Cadillac’s competitor to the three Collection is the CT5 ($48,600), which is positioned towards the 5 Collection. Nonetheless, this discounted worth doesn’t mirror higher worth for cash—if something, it simply tells you ways weak the Cadillac model has change into.
Conclusion
Many of the 3 Collection’ opponents have a decrease MSRP, however not all of them present higher worth. For a digitally centered and sustainable choice, 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 by way of the general bundle.
Our decide will at all times be the G20. Even on the finish of its lifecycle, it stays a really spectacular car. The M340i, specifically, is arguably the perfect each day driver a few of us right here at BMWBLOG have ever gotten our fingers on.
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