With over 20 million models offered 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. Apart from, 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 vehicles 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) may push the worth to $55,000-$65,000. Even then, that’s akin to the ATP of luxurious vehicles ($58,247).
However what concerning the competitors? How do different compact luxurious sedans measure up towards the G20’s worth/worth proposition? This text goals to reply that.
European Rivals
The G20’s fundamental 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, Automobile and Driver locations the G20 3 Collection on the high of its checklist for luxurious sedans beneath $50,000, forward of the A5. Whereas Edmunds charges it as the very 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 Development’s 2018 Automobile of the 12 months) and the Volvo S60, however each have reached the top of their lifecycle.
Asian Rivals
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 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 received Motor Development’s 2019 Automobile of the 12 months title, albeit it lacks the title recognition that the three Collection enjoys.
American Rivals
The three Collection’ most vital American rival is maybe 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 models).
What about Cadillac? Properly, with an MSRP of $35,600, the Cadillac CT4 undercuts the three Collection by over $10,000. Actually, 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 replicate higher worth for cash—if something, it simply tells you the way weak the Cadillac model has change into.
Conclusion
A lot of the 3 Collection’ opponents 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, specifically, is arguably the very best each day driver a few of us right here at BMWBLOG have ever gotten our arms on.
