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BMW 3 Series vs BMW i4

2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 BMW i4 — two compact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW 3 Series

2026 BMW 3 Series

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 1BMW 3 Series wins 2 of 3 categories
BMW i4

2026 BMW i4

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,000 a year less in fuel for the BMW i4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 3 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 12).

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 i4 is a compact car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 333 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

Buying used? The 2024 3 Series and the 2024 i4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 i4.

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Compact Cars
Hybrid
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

31 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
28 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
333 mi
$2,650
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$650

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
593 hp
185.4 in
Length
–
72 in
Width
–
56.7 in
Height
–
3,494 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
–

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
10
0
Recalls (2026)
0
4
Recalls, all years since 2005
12
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
1

Interest

47,774
Wikipedia views, 30 days
9,232

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW 3 Series if…

  • You put reliability history first (4 vs 12 recalls since 2005)

Choose the BMW i4 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (333 miles)

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 i4

  • Long EV rangeUp to 333 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Strong performanceUp to 593 hp, versus about 311 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Full 2026 BMW 3 Series specs →Full 2026 BMW i4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →