2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Cadillac CT4

$45,950 · Sedan

$34,995 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 3 Series storms onto the scene with 255 horsepower and a commanding 295 lb-ft of torque, embodying pure German engineering prowess while delivering a respectable 31 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2025 Cadillac CT4 captivates with an alluring starting price of $34,995, significantly undercutting the BMW's $45,950 entry point, aiming to deliver American sport luxury with efficiency at 26 MPG combined. While the BMW offers superior space with 16.9 cu ft of cargo room compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft, the performance gap is narrower than expected, with the BMW's 18 more horsepower translating to a sharper driving edge. Both RWD sedans share an 8-speed automatic transmission, yet the nearly $11,000 price disparity makes the CT4 a powerful alternative for budget-conscious drivers who still desire a premium RWD experience without demanding the BMW's outright performance figures.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series offers superior fuel economy at 31 MPG combined versus the CT4's 26 MPG combined, saving regular trips at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series provides significantly more usable space with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CT4's 10.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW wins enthusiasts' favor due to its higher output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering a more dynamic performance ceiling.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 provides exceptional entry into the segment, costing $10,955 less than the BMW 3 Series for a very similar driving layout.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You demand the highest horsepower in the segment, accessing 255 hp from the potent powertrain.
You prioritize efficiency for daily driving, benefiting from a 31 MPG combined rating.
You need genuine trunk space, utilizing the superior 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Your budget is tight, as the CT4 starts $10,955 below the BMW, at $34,995.
You prefer to use less restrictive fuel, as the CT4 only recommends premium unleaded.
You want a slightly longer, lower stance, measuring 187.2 inches in length and 56.0 inches in height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Cadillac CT4
Length	185.9"	187.2"
Width	71.9"	71.4"
Height	56.8"	56.0"
Wheelbase	112.2"	109.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Driver Attention 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	374.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	8
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	53.0 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	52.5 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	P225/45R17
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Tire Type	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2025 Cadillac CT4.

How significant is the performance gap between the two RWD sedans?

The BMW 3 Series holds a noticeable edge with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, besting the CT4's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft. While both use the 8-speed automatic, the BMW's superior power suggests quicker acceleration dynamics.

Which sedan is more practical for regular driving based on running costs?

The BMW 3 Series is slightly more economical to run, achieving 31 MPG combined, while the Cadillac CT4 achieves 26 MPG combined. However, the BMW strictly requires premium unleaded, whereas the Cadillac only recommends it.

Is the Cadillac CT4 significantly smaller than the BMW 3 Series?

Dimensionally, they are very close; the CT4 is 187.2 inches long compared to the 3 Series' 185.9 inches, making them nearly identical in overall footprint. However, the 3 Series offers 6.2 cubic feet more usable cargo volume.

Why is the MSRP difference between the two cars so substantial?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series commands a $45,950 MSRP, reflecting its established luxury positioning and higher performance hardware. The 2025 Cadillac CT4 starts aggressively at $34,995, making it a much more accessible entry point into the sport sedan segment.

Do both cars offer the same drivetrain configuration?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2025 Cadillac CT4 are equipped with a standard Rear Wheel Drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring a similar foundational driving feel.

How does the width and height impact the driving experience?

The BMW 3 Series is slightly wider at 71.9 inches versus the CT4's 71.4 inches, potentially offering a broader footprint for cornering stability. The BMW is also noticeably taller at 56.8 inches compared to the CT4's 56.0 inches.