2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 BMW 3 Series

$45,400 · Sedan

$45,950 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 BMW 3 Series is fuel economy, where the BMW delivers 6 MPG higher combined efficiency (31 MPG vs. 25 MPG). The TLX holds a measurable advantage in raw power, outputting 272 horsepower compared to the 3 Series’ 255 horsepower, although the BMW counters with superior torque at 295 lb-ft versus 280 lb-ft. The base MSRPs are closely matched at $45,400 for the TLX and $45,950 for the BMW. Dimensionally, the TLX is notably longer at 194.6 inches versus the 3 Series' 185.9 inches, yet the BMW offers substantially more cargo space at 16.9 cubic feet compared to the Acura's 13.5 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Acura utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission while the BMW employs an 8-speed unit, signaling different driving characteristics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the TLX's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series offers significantly more usable space with a 16.9 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the TLX's 13.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The 2025 Acura TLX edges out the competitor by delivering higher peak horsepower at 272 hp versus the 3 Series' 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX is priced slightly lower at $45,400 while offering 272 horsepower and a higher 31 MPG highway rating.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize peak horsepower, as the TLX offers 272 hp compared to the 3 Series' 255 hp.
You prefer a longer vehicle footprint, with the TLX measuring 194.6 inches in length.
You want the specific efficiency gains of a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with FWD.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize fuel savings, benefiting from 31 combined MPG (6 MPG better than the TLX).
You require maximum cargo volume, as the 3 Series provides 16.9 cu ft versus 13.5 cu ft.
You prefer the traction characteristics and handling feel associated with the standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	BMW 3 Series
Length	194.6"	185.9"
Width	75.2"	71.9"
Height	56.4"	56.8"
Wheelbase	113.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	BMW
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/31 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	436.8/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	15.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
ELS Studio Speakers	✓	—
Speaker System	13	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	205W
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	BMW
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	38.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	56.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	54.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/40R	225/45R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Acura	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 BMW 3 Series.

Which sedan is more powerful based on specifications?

The 2025 Acura TLX has a slight advantage in maximum output with 272 horsepower. However, the 2025 BMW 3 Series provides superior torque output at 295 lb-ft compared to the TLX’s 280 lb-ft.

How significant is the difference in MSRP between these two models?

The difference in entry-level pricing is marginal; the Acura TLX starts at $45,400, while the BMW 3 Series has a slightly higher starting price of $45,950.

Does one vehicle offer better utility for hauling luggage?

Yes, the 2025 BMW 3 Series offers substantially more cargo volume, providing 16.9 cubic feet. The 2025 Acura TLX is limited to 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

What is the primary drivetrain distinction between the two sedans?

The 2025 Acura TLX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the 2025 BMW 3 Series is configured with a traditional Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) platform.

Which vehicle requires premium fuel and how does that affect running costs?

Both vehicles require or recommend premium unleaded fuel. However, the BMW 3 Series' 31 combined MPG rating means its annual fuel consumption costs will likely be lower than the TLX's 25 combined MPG rating.

How do the transmissions compare in design?

The Acura TLX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting closer gear ratios for potential smoothness. In contrast, the BMW 3 Series is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic unit.