The BMW 3 Collection obtained a bunch of upgrades in 2023 after which obtained some extra for the 2025 mannequin 12 months. Whereas adjustments for the most recent mannequin 12 months are nearer to “nonexistent” than “main,” the 2026 BMW 3 Collection isn’t precisely down for the rely. Its glorious normal tech options, peerless powertrain choices, and inoffensive styling permit it to handily stay the usual bearer for compact luxurious sedans — even when taking a 12 months off from self-improvement. We extremely suggest the G20 3 Collection, particularly the M340i, and actually a couple of BMWBLOG author has acquired one for themselves through the years. You’ll be able to try our 2025 M340i evaluation and a long-term M340i xDrive evaluation for a good suggestion of what to anticipate from the 2026 BMW 3 Collection.
Engine Choices, Transmission, and Efficiency
The three Collection is on the market with four- or six-cylinder engines, xDrive all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. There aren’t actually any dangerous decisions right here, and your alternative ought to be per what you want the automobile to do. The usual 330i makes do with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Stepping as much as the M340i will get you entry to the legendary B58 engine, rated at 386 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The quickest 3 Collection not carrying an M3 badge is the M340i xDrive, which may reliably obtain a zero to 60 mph time of round 4.1 seconds.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World Effectivity
The 2026 BMW 3 Collection probably received’t be examined for gas financial system, however we count on effectivity to stay unchanged from final 12 months’s mannequin. Rear-wheel drive automobiles get one of the best gas financial system, because the 330i achieves 28 mpg metropolis and 35 mpg freeway for a mixed 31 mpg mixed. Regardless of an enormous energy benefit, the M340i achieves almost as spectacular numbers, returning an estimated 27/33/29 mpg. xDrive drops these numbers just a bit bit, and each automobiles get 29 mpg mixed and 26 mpg within the metropolis. 4-pot fashions have a slight benefit on the freeway, getting 34 mpg the place the M340i xDrive will get 34 mpg.
Inside Options and Cargo Area
The three Collection inside noticed minor enhancements simply final 12 months, and nothing adjustments for the brand new mannequin 12 months. SensaTec comes normal and is greater than “adequate,” however a $1,500 upcharge for Vernasca leather-based is decidedly cheap. We suggest stepping as much as at the very least the $1,100 Comfort Package deal on 330i fashions, which provides a heated steering wheel, energy tailgate, and extra driver help options. The $900 Harman Kardon sound system might be definitely worth the improve too, though when you’re a real audiophile you’ll probably need to look to the aftermarket.
With 17 cubic ft of trunk house, the 2026 BMW 3 Collection outperforms each the Mercedes C-Class (12 cubic ft) and Genesis G70 (11 cubic ft). The Audi A5 — keep in mind, the Audi A4 is now MIA — is technically extra of a hatchback. Because of this, it affords commensurately extra room for issues, 26 cubic ft. However so far as conventional three-box sedans go, the three Collection remains to be an ordinary bearer for the section.
Know-how and Connectivity
All the most recent techno gadgetry comes normal with the 2026 BMW 3 Collection, together with a 14.9-inch middle display and 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Voice instructions, navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM radio are all included. The three Collection, in comparison with its rivals, affords lots of worth on this realm, with rivals like Mercedes providing the necessities — like wi-fi cellphone compatibility — however not most of the extras. Probably the most tech-savvy customers will probably discover lots of worth within the Premium Package deal. For $1,950, you get a head-up show, distant engine begin, and many extra driver aids.
Security Options and Driver Help Choices
The 2026 BMW 3 Collection comes with lane-keeping help, Ahead Collision Mitigation, and velocity restrict data displayed within the sprint. Virtually every thing else from BMW’s suite of driver help options may be added, however it’ll price you. Once more, the Comfort Package deal is straightforward to suggest, because it additionally consists of blind spot detection and lane-departure warning. Finest $1,100 you’ll be able to spend on a brand new 3 Collection. Previous that, the $500 Driving Help Package deal can be an excellent worth. It provides distance management to cruise management techniques, which is able to even be capable to convey your automobile to and from an entire cease. Brief stops (underneath three seconds) solely, although. Apparently, it has really gotten $200 inexpensive year-over-year. Worth!
Different worth buys embrace the $800 Parking Help Package deal, which now additionally consists of facet safety and continues to supply self-parking and a 360-degree digital camera system. We’re much less favorable of the $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Package deal. However when you really need your 2026 BMW 3 Collection to drive itself in rush hour visitors, there is no such thing as a manner round it.
Pricing and Trim Breakdown
Final 12 months, the three Collection began at $45,400. This 12 months, you’ll pay a little bit bit extra. Base MSRP for the 2026 BMW 3 Collection is $47,500 earlier than vacation spot charges ($48,675 all-in). The Genesis G70 is a cut price by comparability, commanding $44,245 and providing extra horsepower, normal driver aids, bigger 19-inch alloys, and a cabin with a number of extra buttons in it. That could be a constructive or a damaging relying on who you’re. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class begins at $49,600; in the meantime the liftback A5 may be yours for across the similar.
Ultimate Verdict: Ought to You Purchase the 2026 BMW 3 Collection?
As we mentioned initially of the story, we’ve put our cash the place our mouth is a number of instances all through the G20 3 Collection’s lifecycle. It’s a hard-to-beat worth in its section and does a fantastic job channeling traits that ha made BMW a fantastic worth for many years. The 2026 BMW 3 Collection begins manufacturing in August 2025 and can stay in manufacturing by subsequent 12 months.
