Why the BMW 3 Series is a Must-Buy vs the 4 Series

If you’re looking for a sleek luxury sports sedan or a luxurious coupe you’re likely comparing the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series. BMW’s 3 Series has long been a fan favorite but the 4 Series has its own charm. In this article, we’ll dig deep into the details of both models from their engines to their driving experience design pricing and even the small stuff to help you make a well-informed decision.

Alex Collantes a longtime BMW enthusiast says “The 3 Series and 4 Series are like two siblings one’s more grounded and reliable the other’s a bit flashier—but they both have that undeniable BMW DNA.”

Overview: BMW 3 Series vs 4 Series

Before we get into the nitty-gritty let’s break down the basics. The BMW 3 Series is a four-door sedan while the BMW 4 Series offers a sleeker two-door coupe design. Both models share many of the same engines and interior features yet their driving dynamics and aesthetics differ greatly.

• 3 Series: Four-door sports sedan.
• 4 Series: Two-door coupe or convertible.

Engine and Performance: Similarities and Differences

When it comes to engines both cars share a lot. For example both the 3 and 4 Series offer a range of turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. The entry-level models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower while higher trims get a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six.

But while both models share similar powertrains the way they deliver power is subtly different.

• BMW 3 Series: More oriented toward comfort and daily drivability.
• BMW 4 Series: Tuned for a sportier ride with sharper handling.

Many BMW owners like Alex Collantes argue that “The 3 Series is perfect for daily commuting with its smooth ride and less aggressive handling while the 4 Series is the car you want to take out on weekends when you’re feeling adventurous.”

Pros and Cons of the 3 Series Performance:

• Pro: Better suited for everyday driving. The suspension is a bit more forgiving making it a comfortable ride for long distances.
• Con: Doesn’t feel as sporty or engaging as the 4 Series especially if you're someone who loves aggressive driving.

Pros and Cons of the 4 Series Performance:

• Pro: Sharper handling and more focused on performance making it the more exciting option on twisty roads.
• Con: The ride can be too stiff for everyday use especially on rougher roads.

Exterior Design: Traditional vs Aggressive

The most apparent difference between the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series is in their design. The 3 Series retains the traditional BMW sedan look. It’s sleek and professional perfect for someone who wants their car to have a sophisticated but not overly flashy look. The 4 Series on the other hand takes a bolder approach especially with its controversial large kidney grille.

BMW 3 Series Design:

• Classic four-door sedan look
• Conservative design
• Suitable for business professionals

BMW 4 Series Design:

• Sporty coupe or convertible body style
• Aggressive grille design
• Flashier appeal for those looking to stand out

Some drivers love the bold design of the 4 Series while others prefer the subtlety of the 3 Series. "I personally love the traditional lines of the 3 Series" says Alex Collantes. "It’s timeless whereas the 4 Series might feel dated sooner with that oversized grille."

Interior and Technology: Comfort and Modern Features

Both the 3 Series and 4 Series offer luxurious interiors packed with high-tech features. BMW is known for crafting cabins with high-quality materials but the feel of the interior differs slightly between the two models.

BMW 3 Series Interior:

• Spacious: Offers more headroom and legroom in the backseat due to its sedan layout.
• Minimalistic: Keeps things clean and functional which appeals to buyers looking for a more business-like feel.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Rear seat space could be better compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
• Some drivers report that the base trim feels a bit too simple for a luxury car at this price point.

BMW 4 Series Interior:

• Driver-focused: The dashboard is slightly angled towards the driver making it feel more engaging to drive.
• Coupe design: Naturally the rear seats are less practical with tighter headroom and legroom.

Potential Drawbacks:

• The back seat space is compromised due to the coupe design. Tall passengers might feel cramped in the back especially on longer trips.
• While the interior quality is good some might argue that at a similar price point the Audi A5 offers a more premium-feeling cabin.

Driving Experience: What to Expect Behind the Wheel

One area where the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series really differentiate themselves is in their driving dynamics. The 3 Series with its sedan body style is tuned to balance comfort and sportiness. It’s well-suited for both commuting and spirited driving.

BMW 3 Series Driving Experience:

• Smooth ride: More forgiving suspension for daily driving.
• Balanced handling: Offers a blend of comfort and sportiness but lacks the razor-sharp handling of the 4 Series.

BMW 4 Series Driving Experience:

• Tighter handling: The suspension is stiffer resulting in a more agile and responsive ride.
• Sportier stance: Due to the lower ride height and wider body the 4 Series feels more planted to the road.

Alex Collantes believes that “If you want something you can take to work during the week but also enjoy on winding roads the 3 Series is better. But if you're the type of driver who enjoys pushing a car to its limits then the 4 Series will definitely give you more thrills.”

Pricing and Value for Money: How Do They Compare?

When looking at the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series pricing it’s essential to consider the value for money. While the 4 Series tends to cost slightly more than the 3 Series it’s not just because of its coupe design. The additional features and sportier performance also play a role.

BMW 3 Series Pricing:

• Base model starts at around $44,000
• Higher trims can reach up to $56,000

BMW 4 Series Pricing:

• Base model starts at around $50,000
• Higher trims go up to $67,000

Value for Money:

• BMW 3 Series: Provides better value for money especially if you’re not overly concerned with a sporty driving experience.
• BMW 4 Series: You’ll pay more for the coupe’s styling and sharper handling but the price difference might not be justified for some buyers.

Trim Levels and Features Comparison

Both models come in a range of trims allowing you to pick a version that suits your driving style and budget.

BMW 3 Series Trims:

1. 330i: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 255 hp.
2. 330e: Plug-in hybrid option with 288 hp.
3. M340i: Turbocharged inline-six with 382 hp.

BMW 4 Series Trims:

1. 430i: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 255 hp.
2. M440i: Turbocharged inline-six with 382 hp.
3. M4: High-performance model with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing 473 hp.

Key Features:

• BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Standard safety features like lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.

Fuel Economy: What’s the Real-World MPG?

In terms of fuel efficiency both cars are relatively close but if you’re looking to save at the pump the 3 Series might edge out slightly due to its lighter weight.

BMW 3 Series MPG:

• 330i: Up to 26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway.
• M340i: Up to 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway.

BMW 4 Series MPG:

• 430i: Up to 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway.
• M440i: Up to 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.

While the numbers are close you can expect the 3 Series to offer slightly better fuel economy especially in city driving.

Cargo and Practicality: Which One Fits More Stuff?

When it comes to cargo space the 3 Series wins simply because of its sedan layout. It offers 17 cubic feet of trunk space which is better suited for road trips or grocery runs.

BMW 3 Series Cargo Space:

• 17 cubic feet
• Split-folding rear seats

BMW 4 Series Cargo Space:

• 12 cubic feet in the coupe version.
• Trunk space is compromised due to the sloping roofline.

Final Thoughts from Alex Collantes:

“If you need a practical everyday car but still want that sporty feeling the 3 Series is a no-brainer. But if you’re more about style and performance then the 4 Series might be worth the premium even though it comes with a few compromises.”

Conclusion: BMW 3 Series vs 4 Series

Both the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series are excellent choices for luxury car buyers. The 3 Series offers more practicality comfort and a slightly more affordable price tag making it ideal for daily driving. On the other hand the 4 Series is the more performance-focused option with aggressive styling but you’ll have to deal with a stiffer ride and less rear-seat space.

At the end of the day the choice between the two boils down to what matters most to you—whether it’s comfort practicality or styling and performance.