Top 8 BMW 3 Competitors
If you’re looking for a luxury sports car, the BMW 3 Series probably springs to mind, but consider some competitors, like Mercedes-AMG C63, too.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The impressive BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular vehicle lines in the luxury sport sedan class, but rivals like the Genesis G70, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Acura TLX might just give it a run for its money.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of driving around in a BMW 3 Series, you know—its luxury finishes, above-average fuel economy, and crisp handling deserve high praise. There is a ton packed into this sporty, midsize package.
Even the number one draft pick has some competition, though—there are plenty of BMW 3 competitors to watch out for. That’s why
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shopping, compiled this guide to the top eight BMW 3 competitors. And if you're looking to cut down on your own BMW insurance costs
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers1. Infiniti Q50
Starting price: $43,125 to $56,975
Selling points: Impressive exterior
Weak spots: Out-of-date interior styling and lackluster driving experience
The
Infiniti Q50
is often overlooked as a serious competitor of the BMW 3 Series. That’s probably because its shortcomings are notable and include an outdated interior cabin, unfriendly infotainment center, and average fuel economy. However, the Infiniti does fill a niche in the market. It’s a luxury sports sedan that offers a twin-turbo V6 for a price tag of less than $50,000.
That’s right, the Infiniti’s edge is its value, and buyers who are looking for some oomph under the hood at a more reasonable cost—and don’t mind sacrificing a little when it comes to the interior style—might find what they’re looking for here.
2. Genesis G70
Starting price: $38,570 to $53,545
Selling points: Fun to drive thanks to athletic handling and a luxurious interior cabin
Weak spots: A little short on space
Like the BMW 3 Series, the
Genesis G70
strives to meet both the “luxury” and “sporty” quotients and then some. For the G70, that means a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower or an absolutely engaging twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 model that gets 365 horsepower. No matter the engine, you’ll be pleased to find a fuel economy that keeps up at a combined 25 mpg.
On the inside, you’ll find an incredibly stunning interior. Touches include dual-toned leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and an infotainment screen so compelling and easy to use, we’re worried it might be more enticing than the road.
As long as you remember to keep your eyes ahead, though, it's an absolute plus.
3. Audi A5 Sportback
Starting price: $45,195 to $57,345
Selling points: Powerful engine makes for a fun driving experience
Weak spots: Interior styling leaves something to be desired
If we’re going on name alone, the
Audi A5 Sportback
would seem like a perfect pick for those who prefer more sport in their sedan. And it delivers, focusing more on a smooth, satisfying, and speedy ride than on top-of-the-line finishing touches. Choose between two engines: turbocharged four-cylinders that get either 201 or 261 horsepower, depending on the model. All-wheel drive is also standard on every trim.
When it comes to style and feel, the A5 Sportback falls behind competitors like the BMW 3 Series, but it isn’t exactly unappealing. Instead of a plush, luxurious feel the A5 emphasizes streamlined style, still with high-quality materials. That includes a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display, a power-operated liftgate, and an unexpected amount of cargo space.
4. Mercedes-AMG C63
Starting price: $69,650 to $86,650
Selling points: Powerful V8 engine creates a dynamic ride and plenty of speed
Weak spots: Pricey and short warranties, especially when compared to competitors
Perhaps the most well-known of the BMW 3 competitors is the Mercedes C-Class, but it’s the
Mercedes-AMG C63
that really puts the heat on. Though it shares many of its qualities with the C-Class, the AMG C63 adds an even more athletic edge. The C63 and C63 S trims boast twin-turbocharged V8 engines with 469 and 503 horsepower respectively. And the suspension has been switched to give the ride a sportier feel.
Of course, it maintains the indulgent touches for which Mercedes is known. You can choose between black faux leather and microfiber upholstery or leather seats, as well as wood or aluminum finishes. Plus, appealing features like the 10.3-inch infotainment system and Burmester audio system are standard.
The C63 comes at a price, though. Drivers who opt for it over the 3 Series will have to be ready for an MSRP starting at $69,650.
5. 2022 Lexus IS
Starting price: $40,200 to $68,475
Selling points: An interior cabin that feels like a dream and a front seat that fits like a glove
Weak spots: Not as engaging as some competitors
The sculpted body and styling of the Lexus IS stand out on the road. It certainly looks the part of a sport sedan.
Inside, the cabin feels comfortable and spacious, even for a compact car. While it may not be as luxurious as the BMW—or even the Mercedes-Benz—it does offer plenty of premium features like power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a handy 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
When it comes to the drive, though, the Lexus IS falls behind—unless you’re willing to shell out extra money for an upgraded engine or additional packages, like the Dynamic Handling Package.
The base four-cylinder gets 241 horsepower but just doesn’t engage drivers as well as some competitors. Instead, it’s the 311-horsepower V6 in the IS350 trim or the 472-horsepower V8 in the IS500 F Sport Performance trim that inch near the competition performance-wise.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers6. Jaguar XE
Starting price: $40,950 to $47,290
Selling points: Outstanding, sexy style stands out on the road
Weak spots: Low on back seat and cargo space
The
Jaguar XE
is another in a long line of beautiful Jaguar models that impress, both inside and outside. Upon first impression, the XE is a sleek sedan designed for speed. Inside, the leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and 10-inch infotainment screen up the ante on luxury. Plus, it boasts a super satisfying fuel economy of 34 mpg on the highway, giving it points in the practicality department.
Unfortunately, the once-great Jaguar comes up short when compared to the BMW 3 Series in many ways. Back seat room is incredibly tight compared to others in its class, and cargo space is around the same, making it tough if you have to lug anything with you on your drives.
Without the option for a V6, the two four-cylinder engines now available offer either 247 or 296 horsepower—which is good but not groundbreaking.
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7. Acura TLX
Starting price: $39,995 to $54,795
Selling points: A suite of technology, solid handling, and style make it a great value for the money
Weak spots: Low fuel economy
The
Acura TLX
is a great value for the price, starting at $39,995. Even the base trim offers plenty of bang for the buck. The standard engine on the entry-level TLX is an impressive four-cylinder that can rival even the Genesis G70. If you choose to upgrade to the TLX S, you’ll get a more powerful V6 and all-wheel drive. Inside, 13.5 cubic feet of storage,a quiet ride, and ventilated front seats are just some of the perks drivers enjoy.
However, it does come up short in a few departments. The 24 mpg combined fuel economy doesn’t keep up with many rivals, and the interior is more focused on practicality than luxurious touches. Plus, the infotainment display screen utilizes a trackpad controller, which is significantly less user-friendly than a touchscreen.
8. Mazda 6
Starting price: $25,470 to $36,895
Selling points: Affordable price, smooth handling
Weak spots: Most trims lack the powerful engine found in rivals
The
Mazda 6
is a family-friendly take on a luxury sports sedan and by far one of the most affordable in its class. Even with its sleek styling, there is still plenty of room for both passengers and cargo.Meanwhile, the driver can enjoy a comfy and tech-savvy experience thanks to the large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
The engine options are two 2.5-liter four-cylinders. The standard has 187 horsepower, while the turbocharged engine gets up to 250 horsepower. It’s not as many horses as the more high-end competition, but the driving experience in both is best described as fun and fluid, which even the more powerful rivals struggle to match.
BMW 3 Series vs. the competition
Here’s how the BMW 3 Series stacks up to the competition:
Model | Starting price range | Engine options | Maximum seating capacity | Maximum trunk volume | Maximum towing capacity | Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 BMW 3 Series | $42,445 to $55,695 | 4-cylinder or V6 | 5 seats | 16.9 cu ft | 3,748 lbs | 25/34/28 mpg |
2022 Infiniti Q50 | $43,125 to $56,975 | V6 | 5 seats | 13.5 cu ft | 1,168 lbs | 20/29/23 mpg |
2022 Genesis G70 | $38,570 to $53,545 | 4-cylinder or V6 | 5 seats | 10.5 cu ft | 3,500 lbs | 21/31/24 mpg |
2022 Audi A5 Sportback | $45,195 to $57,345 | 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 21.8 cu ft | 3,748 lbs | 24/31/27 mpg |
2022 Mercedes-AMG C63 | $69,650 to $86,650 | 4-cylinder | 4 seats | 8.8 cu ft | 3,968 lbs | 17/24/20 mpg |
2022 Lexus IS | $40,200 to $68,475 | 4-cylinder, V6, or V8 | 5 seats | 10.8 cu ft | 3,500 lbs | 21/31/25 mpg |
2020 Jaguar XE | $40,950 and $47,290 | 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 12.1 cu ft | 3,968 lbs | 25/34/28 mpg |
2022 Acura TLX | $39,995 to $54,795 | 4-cylinder and V6 | 5 seats | 13.5 cu ft | 2,000 lbs | 22/31/25 mpg |
2021 Mazda 6 | $25,470 to $36,895 | 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 14.7 cu ft | 3,527 lbs | 23/31/26 mpg |
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