Over a decade ago, BMW strategically split its iconic 3 Series—one of the keystones of its "Ultimate Driving Machine" tagline—in two, creating the 4 Series as a separate model. The new 4 Series lineup includes three body styles: a two-door coupe, a convertible, and a four-door hatchback, known as the Gran Coupe. At the same time, the 3 Series soldiers on as a four-door sedan. So, the comparison between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 4 Series amounts to sibling rivalry at its most profound level.
The 3 Series and 4 Series lineups share a great deal, inside and out. All ride on the same platform with the same wheelbase and share engines and drivetrains. The 4 Series coupe and convertible accommodate four passengers, while the 4 Series Gran Coupe and 3 Series seat up to five. The hatchback 4 Series Gran Coupe is the most versatile of the brood, but the 3 Series also offers a large trunk and serious luggage capacity. The coupe and convertible? Not so much.
As one might guess, the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 4 Series share many of the same technologies, including safety, driver assistance, connectivity, and infotainment systems. Further, the two lineups offer similar exterior styling with distinct family resemblances. And when it comes to performance and handling, all 3 Series and 4 Series variants deliver ample fun.
Many sibling rivalries can get ugly, but this one proves quite the opposite. In this case, every family member is impressive, so it's hard to choose. To help you decide, here is a detailed comparison of the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 BMW 3 Series.
2025 BMW M440i Gran Coupe xDrive
The 2025 BMW 4 Series lineup consists of two mainstream models—the 430i and M440i—available in coupe, convertible, and four-door fastback Gran Coupe styles. The range also features high-performance M4 models, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is widely available.
The 430i coupe is the most budget-friendly, starting at $50,700, while the M440i xDrive convertible tops the range at $74,250. The Gran Coupe has a starting price of $49,200. Prices do not include the $1,175 destination charge.
Included with the 4 Series is BMW's Connected Package Professional, providing real-time traffic and parking data, navigation, and voice command for four years without a subscription cost. BMW also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles and four years of unlimited roadside assistance.
The 2025 BMW 3 Series, available only as a four-door sedan, rides on the same platform as the BMW 4 Series. BMW offers its iconic sport sedan in 330i, M340i, and high-performance M3 variants. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, and AWD is widely available.
With a suggested base price of $45,500, the 330i is the least expensive 3 Series model. With its powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter engine and AWD, the M3 Competition xDrive Sedan reigns at the zenith of the lineup with an $85,300 suggested starting price. Prices do not include the $1,175 destination charge.
As you might guess, BMW endows the 3 Series with virtually the same perks as the 4 Series. Its complimentary roadside assistance runs for four years with no mileage limit and free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. The sedan's BMW Connected Package Professional offers its driver real-time traffic and parking information, navigation, and the ability to use voice commands.
Advantage: BMW 3 Series
Why? The 3 Series sedan is the most budget-friendly of all the variants.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 4 Series ranks second in the Compact Premium Car segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The 4 Series does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers a standard four years or 50,000 miles warranty and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles.
The BMW 3 Series ranks third in its segment in the 2024 VDS, right behind the 4 Series. It also ranks third in its segment in the 2024 IQS. The 3 Series warranty coverage is the same as the 4 Series.
Advantage: BMW 3 Series
Why? Both models are stellar in vehicle dependability, but the 3 Series outshines its sibling in initial quality.
2025 BMW M440i Gran Coupe xDrive
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers two engine options for its core models, while the high-performance M4 coupe and convertible variants deliver up to 543 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology generating 255 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque powers the base 430i. The M440i features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 386 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. BMW matches both engines with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the RWD 430i coupe should achieve 31 mpg in combined driving, while the RWD M440i is rated at 30 mpg combined. Opting for AWD reduces each model's EPA rating by one mpg.
Largely mirroring the 4 Series, the 2025 BMW 3 Series offers several powertrain choices. BMW equips the base 330i and 330i xDrive with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 255 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M340i substitutes a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 386 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mild-hybrid-assisted and pair with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The M3 Competition xDrive Sedan tops out at 523 hp.
As of this writing, the EPA has yet to rate the fuel economy of the mainstream 2025 3 Series models, but it estimated the 2025 M3 at 19 mpg combined. For reference, the agency gave the 2024 330i a 29-mpg combined mark.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The 3 Series and 4 Series share powertrains, so neither has an advantage.
2025 BMW 3 Series
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the 4 Series and 3 Series stack up? Let's take a look.
The 2025 BMW 4 Series has a robust array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) bundled in standard Active Guard and Active Driving Assistant packages. In addition to the previously mentioned features, the system includes valuable functions like active blind-spot collision avoidance and traffic-sign recognition. For even more advanced capabilities, the optional Active Driving Assistant Pro package offers features such as automatic emergency steering, lane-centering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance, along with a traffic-jam assist function that enables hands-free driving on select highways at low speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have yet to release overall crashworthiness and safety ratings for the 2025 BMW 4 Series.
BMW equips the 2025 3 Series with a strong ADAS roster similar to the 4 Series. BMW Active Guard is standard, but the 340i does not include Active Driving Assistant, which is standard on the 4 Series. Adaptive cruise control is available as a standalone option, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional package includes traffic-jam assist, automatic emergency steering, lane-centering assistance, lane-change assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Wide-view camera parking assistance, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display are also available.
The NHTSA gave the 2025 BMW 3 Series the highest-possible five-star overall crashworthiness rating, while the IIHS has yet to rate its safety.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The more expensive 4 Series features more standard ADAS.
2025 BMW M4 Coupe
BMW outfits the 2025 4 Series with the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, featuring a 14.9-inch digital display that the driver can control through voice commands, a touchscreen, or the console-mounted iDrive touchpad. This system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a one-year SiriusXM Platinum satellite radio subscription. It also provides cloud-based navigation with over-the-air map updates, and an optional Harman Kardon premium audio system is available.
Buyers of the 4 Series gain access to BMW's Connected Package Professional, which delivers real-time traffic and parking information, music, weather updates, and navigation with natural voice command. They also get BMW Remote Services, which offers remote door unlocking, stolen-vehicle recovery, remote light activation, and remote climate control.
For enhanced safety, BMW gives the 4 Series an Active Protection System (APS) that detects potential collisions and prepares the vehicle by tightening seat belts and closing the windows and moonroof. In the event of an accident, the system automatically activates post-crash braking.
It is difficult not to say "ditto" here because BMW equips the 2025 3 Series with virtually the same infotainment system as the 4 Series. The impressive array includes the new BMW Operating System 8.5 with a 14.9-inch center-mounted digital display. Its key features are Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a one-year SiriusXM Platinum trial. While fingering the touchscreen might be the easiest way to control the system, it also accepts voice commands and input via the iDrive touchpad. A Harman Kardon premium audio system is on the options list.
The 3 Series offers BMW Remote Services, which includes remote door unlock, stolen-vehicle recovery, remote lights activation, and remote climate control. The Connected Package Professional provides traffic and parking information, music, weather updates, and navigation with natural-speech input for various functions.
BMW equips all 2025 3 Series models with cloud-based navigation, which accepts over-the-air updates of its map data. The sedan's standard vehicle key and memory system holds audio tone settings and radio station presets. It also captures the most recently used climate control, exterior mirror, and power-seat settings. BMW offers these as standard on the 4 Series as well.
Advantage: Neither
Why? There are virtually no differences on the tech front.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The five-passenger 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the model most similar to the 2025 BMW 3 Series. All three 4 Series models boast ergonomically sound, luxurious interiors crafted using high-quality materials. Buyers of the 4 Series can choose from a broad range of interior color schemes and upholstery choices. A striking feature of the 4 Series cabin is the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Keyless entry and multi-zone automatic climate control are standard.
BMW equips the 4 Series with 10-way power-adjustable front seats, including power lumbar support for the driver. Standard features include heated front seats, while ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are available. Perforated synthetic leather seats are standard, with the option to upgrade to genuine leather in various colors. The Gran Coupe's rear seats feature a 40/20/40 split-folding layout. The 4 Series coupe and convertible offer two individual rear seats.
Regarding cargo capacity, the 4 Series Gran Coupe offers 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 45.6 cubic feet when you fold the seats. The traditional two-door 4 Series coupe provides a 12-cubic-foot trunk, while the convertible offers 11 cubic feet of trunk space.
The 2025 BMW 3 Series features an interior very similar to the 4 Series Gran Coupe, expected since it is essentially the hatchback version of the 3 Series. The dashboard features the BMW Curved Display, comprising a high-mounted horizontal digital infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster. Even the base 340i includes upscale touches like perforated synthetic leather seats and open-pore wood trim; leather seats and aluminum trim are available. The 3 Series and 4 Series also offer 40/20/40 split fold-down rear seats with a pass-through feature to accommodate long, narrow items.
BMW fits the 3 Series with a glass moonroof and heated power front sport seats with four-way power lumbar support. The sedan also has a standard electric interior trunk release, a locking glove box, and additional storage compartments.
The BMW 3 Series offers a surprisingly roomy trunk, and the split-folding rear seatbacks make that space more functional. The trunk measures almost 17 cubic feet, about the same as the 4 Series Gran Coupe's rear cargo area and significantly larger than the 4 Series Coupe's trunk.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The 4 Series Gran Coupe is the most versatile and accommodating of the siblings, though the 3 Series is a close second.
If you’d like to learn more about these sport luxury cars, be sure to read our expert reviews of the BMW 4 Series and the BMW 3 Series. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on October 2, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
The Ford Transit is the automaker’s full-size cargo and passenger van offering, designed to serve a wide range of commercial and lifestyle applications. With 37 available configurations, the platform ...See More
Read the Full Article
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size, three-row SUV with a standard V8 engine and available diesel power. Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup, the Tahoe benefits from its ...See More
Read the Full Article
It is the end of the line for the Ford Escape. After 25 years as a fixture of Ford’s lineup, 2026 will be the compact SUV’s last model year.
Read the Full Article
The Colorado is Chevrolet’s midsize pickup. It ranks among the segment’s most capable trucks for payload and towing, and can be configured for both work and off-road adventures. For 2026, the ...See More
Read the Full Article