2018 BMW 3-Series

Rankings & Research
The 2018 BMW 3-Series ranked #3 in Luxury Small Cars. Currently the BMW 3-Series has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 49 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

2018 BMW 3-Series Review
Handsome styling complements athletic performance in the 2018 BMW 3 Series, earning this well-rounded sports sedan a ranking in the top third of its class.
Is the BMW 3 Series a Good Car?
The 3 Series is a brilliant example of a well-made, well-balanced sports sedan. Highlights of its fun-to-drive nature include responsive handling paired with a selection of robust engine options. The current generation is backed by capital crash test results and above-average reliability scores. Most experts recommend the 3 Series as one of the best in the luxury small car segment, as echoed in our rankings.

Should I Buy the BMW 3 Series?
If owning an athletic four-door is your ultimate goal, the BMW 3 series is a good pick. As long as you bypass the base engine (which will feel unenergetic to spirited drivers), you'll enjoy the sprightly handling that comes with every model. In addition to the ample offering of powertrains, BMW tenders a wide range of possibilities for customizing your 3 Series, including three body styles (sedan, wagon, and hatchback) and a long list of stand-alone goodies. This gives you more flexibility than most to build the car that best fits you – though be cautious when adding on options, as they will quickly swell your final price.

The 3 Series isn't alone in the grouping of sport-tuned compact cars – the Audi A4 has similar performance, and most test drivers say the Alfa Romeo Giulia wins out overall. You may also want to consider waiting for the 3 Series’ next generation, which is expected to be debut for the 2019 model year.
We Did the Research for You: 43 Reviews Analyzed

Our BMW 3 Series review combines 43 professional evaluations with research on performance specs, standard features, available safety technology, and more. The current 3 Series generation was launched for the 2012 model year. As BMW has made only minor tweaks since, our full review incorporates data from the 2012 through 2018 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

The U.S. News Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the automotive industry. For the past decade, we've been ranking and reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs. To prevent bias in our recommendations, we don't accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies.

How Much Does the BMW 3 Series Cost?
Prices for a new BMW 320i (the base model) start at $34,900, which is about $1,000 under the average sticker price for a luxury small car. For 2018, the 3 Series is available in three different body styles. The four-door sedan starts between $34,900 and $50,950, while the 3 Series Sports Wagon costs between $44,450 and $45,950. The hatchback Gran Turismo starts at $44,850, and the performance-tuned M3 rings up at $65,500. BMW's plug-in hybrid model, the 330e iPerformance, costs $45,600 and is eligible for a $4,001 federal tax credit
BMW 3 Series Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: BMW 3 Series or Audi A4?

The Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series are both fine examples of German performance. If your budget is small, you'll get a brisker engine with the base Audi than with the BMW. If you have a higher spending limit, you'll want to pick the BMW M3 and its extra 71 horsepower over the performance-oriented Audi S4 model.

Which Is Better: BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is polished, with tuning that leans more toward comfort than sport. It’s the better pick if you value a refined interior over performance, though Mercedes-Benz does offer two potent versions of the C-Class as well. The final decision between these two comes down mostly to the price and level of features you want.

Which Is Better: BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE?

Powertrain options in the Jaguar XE include a turbodiesel and a supercharged V6, but even the base turbocharged four-cylinder is brisk. When comparing this Jaguar to the 3 Series, take a look inside to see which one offers the styling and space that most speaks to you.
3 Series Interior
How Many People Does the 3 Series Seat?

The 3 Series seats five people, with standard synthetic leather and manually adjustable front seats. Upgrades include power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery. For a vehicle this size, there's ample legroom and headroom in both rows, and the front seats are quite comfortable.

3 Series and Car Seats

The 3 Series comes with three tether anchors and two sets of lower anchors in the back seat. The tether anchors are easy to use, but because the lower anchors are mounted deep in the cushions and are hard to move around, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 3 Series a Moderate grade for its LATCH hardware.

3 Series Interior Quality

The cabin of the 3 Series is handsome, featuring clean styling that's not overly fussy. Most will find the ambiance high-quality for this starting price. Still, some feel the standard synthetic leather seats – along with a few other elements – aren't as opulent as the quality of rivals from Mercedes-Benz or Audi.

3 Series Cargo Space

The 3 Series sedan has a nice size trunk for this class at 13 cubic feet. You can pack even more in the back of the Gran Turismo (24.6 cubic feet) and Sports Wagon (27.5 cubic feet). Some trims come with split-folding rear seats to expand cargo capacity, but there's no hands-free or power trunk lid available.

3 Series Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The iDrive infotainment interface in the 3 Series is mostly easy to use, but plan on spending some time getting used to it. The base system comes with a slim set of standard features, but a multitude of options are available, including Apple CarPlay, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and navigation.
3 Series Performance
3 Series Engine: Bypass the Base

The 3 Series’ 180-horsepower engine (paired with either a standard eight-speed automatic transmission or an available six-speed manual) is fine if spirited driving isn't your cup of tea. But for drivers who enjoy a brisk takeoff, the standard engine may feel sluggish. These drivers should consider one of BMW's additional engine offerings, which include a 248-horsepower four-cylinder, a 180-horspower turbodiesel, and the 425-horsepower M3.

3 Series Gas Mileage: Typical for the Class

The BMW 320i gets 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which is slightly above average for a luxury small car. The turbodiesel-powered BMW 328d is a better option if you do a lot of highway travel. It's rated at 31 mpg city/43 mpg highway.

3 Series Ride and Handling: Decently Sporty

The 3 Series has sharp steering and strong brakes, and it’s one of the more athletic models in its segment. Over the years, its ride has softened somewhat. It is now a more comfortable car for cruising, and though the suspension isn't quite as controlled as it was in previous generations, only those looking for extreme performance will complain. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with upgrades like all-wheel drive, the M Sport performance package, and adaptive suspension systems among the available options.
Review
Photos
Prices
Specs
Performance
Interior
Safety
Reliability
Rankings & Research
The 2018 BMW 3-Series ranked #3 in Luxury Small Cars. Currently the BMW 3-Series has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 49 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

8.8
Overall
U.S. News & World Report
SCORECARD

Critics' Rating: 8.9
Performance: 8.9
Interior: 8.2
Safety: 9.6
Reliability: N/A
#3 in Luxury Small Cars
Best Luxury Small Cars

#1
2018 Audi A5
$42,600 - $62,300 MSRP
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#2
2018 Kia Stinger
$31,900 - $51,400 MSRP
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#3
2018 BMW 3-Series
$34,900 - $65,500 MSRP
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See the full Luxury Small Cars rankings »
2018 BMW 3-Series Review
by Sarah Shelton | December 22, 2017
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Handsome styling complements athletic performance in the 2018 BMW 3 Series, earning this well-rounded sports sedan a ranking in the top third of its class.

Pros & Cons
Comfortable, spacious seats
Robust available engines
Handling blends agility with comfort
Few standard features
Options quickly increase price
Uninspiring standard engine
New for 2018
Rearview camera now standard
Features & Specs

5
SEATING
17-31 CITY
24-43 HWY

RWD, AWD
DRIVETRAIN

180-444
HORSEPOWER
See full 2018 BMW 3-Series specs »
2018 BMW 3-Series Angular Front
2018 BMW 3-Series Side ViewAll Exterior Photos »
2018 BMW 3-Series Side ViewAll Interior Photos »
See Photos »

Is the BMW 3 Series a Good Car?
The 3 Series is a brilliant example of a well-made, well-balanced sports sedan. Highlights of its fun-to-drive nature include responsive handling paired with a selection of robust engine options. The current generation is backed by capital crash test results and above-average reliability scores. Most experts recommend the 3 Series as one of the best in the luxury small car segment, as echoed in our rankings.

Compare the 3 Series, A4, and Giulia »

We Did the Research for You: 43 Reviews Analyzed

Why You Can Trust Us

BMW 3-Series Dealer Inventory in Washington, DC (20007) [change location]

2018 BMW 3 Series Sedan South Africa
$42,195 MSRP
Alexandria, VA
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2018 BMW 3 Series Sedan South Africa
$43,395 MSRP
Alexandria, VA
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2018 BMW 3 Series 320i
$43,395 MSRP
Alexandria, VA
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Browse 112 local 2018 BMW 3-Series listings »
How Much Does the BMW 3 Series Cost?
Prices for a new BMW 320i (the base model) start at $34,900, which is about $1,000 under the average sticker price for a luxury small car. For 2018, the 3 Series is available in three different body styles. The four-door sedan starts between $34,900 and $50,950, while the 3 Series Sports Wagon costs between $44,450 and $45,950. The hatchback Gran Turismo starts at $44,850, and the performance-tuned M3 rings up at $65,500. BMW's plug-in hybrid model, the 330e iPerformance, costs $45,600 and is eligible for a $4,001 federal tax credit.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local BMW dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our BMW deals page.

BMW 3 Series Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: BMW 3 Series or Audi A4?

Which Is Better: BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Which Is Better: BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE?

Compare the 3 Series, C-Class, and XE »

3 Series Interior
How Many People Does the 3 Series Seat?

3 Series and Car Seats

The 3 Series comes with three tether anchors and two sets of lower anchors in the back seat. The tether anchors are easy to use, but because the lower anchors are mounted deep in the cushions and are hard to move around, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 3 Series a Moderate grade for its LATCH hardware.

3 Series Interior Quality

The cabin of the 3 Series is handsome, featuring clean styling that's not overly fussy. Most will find the ambiance high-quality for this starting price. Still, some feel the standard synthetic leather seats – along with a few other elements – aren't as opulent as the quality of rivals from Mercedes-Benz or Audi.

3 Series Cargo Space

The 3 Series sedan has a nice size trunk for this class at 13 cubic feet. You can pack even more in the back of the Gran Turismo (24.6 cubic feet) and Sports Wagon (27.5 cubic feet). Some trims come with split-folding rear seats to expand cargo capacity, but there's no hands-free or power trunk lid available.

3 Series Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Read more about performance »

3 Series Reliability
Is the BMW 3 Series Reliable?

The 3 Series has not yet received a predicted reliability rating for 2018. However, J.D. Power gave the almost identical 2017 3 Series a score of four out of five. That's one of the highest scores in our rankings.

BMW 3 Series Warranty

The 3 Series comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
3 Series Safety
3 Series Crash Test Results

The 2018 3 Series has an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It aces almost every crash test simulation, though it receives only four stars for its frontal crash rating.

3 Series Safety Features

A rearview camera is standard in the 3 Series sedan. Available safety features include adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, speed limit information, a head-up display, active park assist, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.
Which BMW 3 Series Model Is Right for Me?
Shoppers have a wide range of choices when building their new BMW. Available body styles include a four-door sedan, the Sports Wagon, and the Gran Turismo hatchback. These come in four trim levels, each with its own unique powertrain. (Not every trim is available in every body style.) The high-performance M3 trim boasts the most power and comes with sport-tuned components. Rear-wheel drive is standard in the sedan, and all-wheel drive is available as a $2,000 upgrade. The Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo come standard with all-wheel drive. A wealth of stand-alone and bundled options are available, giving you the ability to customize your ride more than you normally can. Just keep an eye on the final price, which can quickly increase.

If you're eager to get behind the wheel of the ultimate driving machine – as BMW calls itself – you should start with at least the BMW 330i. Its twin-turbocharged engine has more horsepower than the base four-cylinder for faster launches and extra oomph on your cruise.

BMW 320i

The base 3 Series is the 320i, which comes only as a sedan. Starting at $34,900, the 320i comes with a 180-horsepower engine, synthetic leather seats, a 6.5-inch display screen, the iDrive infotainment system, a nine-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start.

BMW 330i

A 248-horsepower four-cylinder engine comes in the 330i. This trim level is available as a sedan ($40,250), the Sports Wagon ($44,450), and the Gran Turismo ($44,850).

BMW 340i

The 340i has a 320-horsepower six-cylinder engine with a twin turbocharger. It starts at $48,950 for the sedan and $50,700 for the Gran Turismo.

BMW M3

The M3 ($65,500) is the most muscular trim in the lineup, with a 425-horsepower six-cylinder engine. Performance enhancements include upgraded brakes, suspension, and steering.

BMW 3 Series Alternative Fuel Trims

BMW offers two fuel-saving options. The 328d comes with a turbodiesel engine and is available in sedan ($41,750) and Sports Wagon ($45,950) body styles. The plug-in hybrid 330e iPerformance has a total output of 248 horsepower and costs $45,600. Some buyers may be eligible for the $4,001 federal tax credit.

Buying
Expert Advice
Strong Demand: Right now, the BMW 3 Series is the second best-selling luxury small car, behind the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The C-Class is currently outselling the 3 Series by 24 percent. However, though sales are strong within its class, year-to-date sales are down 15.4 percent compared to sale by this point a year ago.
Current Deals and Incentives
Lease Deals:

$409 per month for 36 months with $4,084 due at signing on 320i Sedan. (Expires: 01/31/18)
$529 per month for 36 months with $4,454 due at signing on 330i xDrive Sports Wagon. (Expires: 01/31/18)