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BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW 3 Series

2026 BMW 3 Series

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS5 – 0BMW 3 Series wins 5 of 5 categories
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Subcompact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW 3 Series is more fuel-efficient: 31 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $1,100 a year less in fuel for the BMW 3 Series (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 3 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 39).

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 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 8% worse than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

Buying used? The 2024 3 Series and the 2024 AMG GT have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 AMG GT.

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Subcompact Cars
Hybrid
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

31 MPG
Best combined MPG
22 MPG
28 city
City / highway MPG (best)
19 city
$2,650
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,750

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
630 hp
–
Seats (most)
4
185.4 in
Length
–
72 in
Width
–
56.7 in
Height
–
3,494 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
–

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
9
0
Recalls (2026)
1
4
Recalls, all years since 2005
39
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
2

Interest

47,774
Wikipedia views, 30 days
28,456

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
2019

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW 3 Series if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (31 vs 22 MPG)
  • You put reliability history first (4 vs 39 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT if…

It doesn't clearly beat the BMW 3 Series on any measure we track.

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 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

  • 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 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →