Name: 2026 BMW 3 Series
Brand: BMW

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Road Test

The 3 Series continues to be one of the best sports sedans available thanks to a blend of sharp handling, smooth, responsive drivetrain, comfortable seats, impeccable fit and finish and good fuel economy.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW 3 Series

vs. Similar Cars

Acura Integra

Acura TLX

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A3

Audi A4

See All Models Predicted Reliability

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2006

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2009

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2018

2019

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2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Luxury small cars Ratings

2026 BMW 3 Series

$47,500 - $87,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Acura Integra

$33,400 - $53,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Acura TLX

$45,400 - $58,050

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

$43,995 - $51,995

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Audi A3

$40,100 - $52,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Audi A4

$42,000 - $44,100

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2025 Audi A5

$46,300 - $62,700

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

$39,600 - $49,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Cadillac CT4

$36,000 - $63,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Cadillac CT5

$49,200 - $98,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Genesis G70

$43,450 - $58,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Lexus IS

$45,500 - $49,950

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$49,650 - $88,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$42,750 - $67,550

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Volvo S60

$42,600 - $51,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Volvo V60

$52,300 - $57,600

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury small cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (473 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (523 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (503 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (386 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 12 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 4 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance 3 years/36,000 miles

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 3 Series sedan brings new infotainment tech, standard advanced safety features, improved handling, and better fuel economy. The 330i is fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. Handling is nimble, but the ride is firm. Seat comfort and fit and finish are first rate. The iDrive infotainment system is logical to use once mastered. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard. All-speed AEB, BSW, ACC, and LCA are optional. The M340i, powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, and the 330e plug-in hybrid arrived in 2020. The infotainment system was updated in 2023 with a larger, curved display and touchscreen-based climate controls. 2024 was the last year for the plug-in hybrid version. A 2025 refresh brought styling changes, further infotainment updates, and revised suspension tuning.

2012-2018

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign is a bit larger, softer and a little less fun than previous versions. BMW even offers hybrid and diesel versions for those who want frugality with their fun. Within this generation, we think the best bet is a 328i with the Premium package. We'd also get the backup camera, which is included in the Driver Assistance package. If it snows where you live, you'll want xDrive all-wheel drive and the Cold Weather package. Dyed in the wool driving enthusiasts might prefer to keep things simple, going with a 320i with the manual transmission and the Sports package. This adds sports suspension and seats, along with the choice of summer or all-season performance tires. Throw in heated seats and the folding rear seat, skip leather and a moonroof. For 2017, BMW introduced new four-cylinder engines, changing the 328i to the 330i, and cars with navigation get the latest (and somewhat simplified) version of the iDrive infotainment system.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is almost universally considered the benchmark sports sedan. Offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, the model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is the car that defines a sports sedan, with rear- or all-wheel drive. The model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.