Head-to-head · vehicle level

BMW 3 Series vs. BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

BMW 3 Series 68BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 53on the MotiveGrid ScoreBMW 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.
MetricBMW 3 SeriesBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
MotiveGrid Score6853
Cost of Ownership5653
Powertrain6449
Driver Assistance66
Livability6147
Safety9580
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
Horsepower255 hp255 hp
MPG (combined)35 mpg35 mpg
Cargo volume16.9 cu ft16.6 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity3,500 lbs0 lbs
DrivetrainRWDRWD
Gas
2026$48,000
2026 BMW 3 Series Sedan front three-quarter view
MSRP
$48,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,110
$66,602 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$51,200
2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe front three-quarter view
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.
3 Series
95
4 Series Gran Coupe
80
Winner: 3 Series
+15 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

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.

Where these rank

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