BMW 3 Series 68·BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 53on the MotiveGrid Score·BMW 3 Series about $2,698 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 BMW 3 Series is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,698 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The BMW 3 Series is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
BMW 3 Series vs. BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 BMW 3 Series versus 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Metric
BMW 3 Series
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
MotiveGrid Score
68
53
Cost of Ownership
56
53
Powertrain
64
49
Driver Assistance
6
6
Livability
61
47
Safety
95
80
5-Year Cost to Own
$66,602
$69,300
Depreciation (5-yr)
$25,968
$27,699
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,942
$9,942
Insurance (5-yr)
$16,580
$17,000
Maintenance (5-yr)
$4,080
$4,080
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$7,222
$7,703
Registration (5-yr)
$1,260
$1,325
Starting Price
$48,000
$51,200
Horsepower
255 hp
255 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
35 mpg
Cargo volume
16.9 cu ft
16.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
0 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Gas
2026$48,000
MSRP
$48,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,110
$66,602 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$51,200
MSRP
$51,200
Mo · 5yr
$1,155
$69,300 / 5 years
Best on balance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
BMW 3 Series scores higher overall.
BMW 3 Series
0
/ 100
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
3 Series
56
4 Series Gran Coupe
53
Winner: 3 Series
$2,698 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
3 Series
64
4 Series Gran Coupe
49
Winner: 3 Series
+15 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
3 Series
6
4 Series Gran Coupe
6
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
3 Series
61
4 Series Gran Coupe
47
Winner: 3 Series
+14 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
BMW 3 Series is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,698 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
BMW 3 Series
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
BMW 3 Series
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
BMW 3 Series
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
BMW 3 Series
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
BMW 3 Series
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
BMW 3 Series
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,110
$66,602 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,110/mo
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,155
$69,300 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,155/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
BMW 3 Series comes out about $2,698 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.