DecodedCarsBMW 3 Series vs BMW 4 Series
2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 BMW 4 Series — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The BMW 4 Series is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 4 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (1 vs 4).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,494 lb (3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
The 2026 BMW 4 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 188 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,920 lb (430i 2dr Cabriolet).
Buying used? The 2024 3 Series and the 2024 4 Series have the fewest problems in our data.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW 3 Series
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 BMW 4 Series
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 BMW 3 Series specs →Full 2026 BMW 4 Series specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →