2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Cadillac CT5

$45,950 · Sedan

$47,595 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2025 Cadillac CT5 often boils down to prioritizing driving dynamics versus outright size. Buyers facing this decision need to weigh the efficiency and agility of the German benchmark against the more spacious presence of the American competitor. The BMW 3 Series edges out the Cadillac in pure efficiency, delivering a superior Combined MPG of 31 versus the CT5's 26 MPG, a significant 5 MPG difference that compounds over time, especially since both require premium fuel. Power delivery is closer, with the BMW boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly more than the CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the CT5 is physically longer at 193.8 inches compared to the 3 Series’ 185.9 inches, though this extra length doesn't translate to better practicality, as the BMW offers a larger 16.9 cu ft cargo area versus the Cadillac's 11.9 cu ft. Ultimately, the 3 Series feels better balanced for the daily grind.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its significantly better 31 combined MPG, leading to fewer fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series offers a more practical 16.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CT5's restrictive 11.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series offers a better torque figure of 295 lb-ft, suggesting a snappier feel despite the horsepower similarity.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 3 Series

Despite a lower MSRP of $45,950, the 3 Series provides better fuel economy and cargo utility.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 31 combined MPG rating.
You appreciate a better power-to-weight feel, thanks to its 295 lb-ft of torque.
You need usable trunk space, as the 16.9 cu ft capacity is considerably larger than the competitor's.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You prefer the longer road presence, as the CT5 measures 193.8 inches in length.
You prefer a vehicle that only recommends premium fuel rather than requires it.
You like the smoother, potentially more refined gear changes offered by the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Cadillac CT5
Length	185.9"	193.8"
Width	71.9"	74.1"
Height	56.8"	57.2"
Wheelbase	112.2"	116.0"

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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	15
Subwoofer Count	2	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-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	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	55.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	245/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the Cadillac CT5?

The difference is substantial for daily drivers. The BMW 3 Series achieves 31 combined MPG, while the Cadillac CT5 is rated for 26 combined MPG, resulting in a 5 MPG advantage for the BMW on the combined cycle.

Which sedan offers better performance specs, the 3 Series or the CT5?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series holds a slight edge in raw output, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Cadillac CT5 significantly larger than the BMW 3 Series?

Yes, the CT5 is physically larger overall, measuring 193.8 inches long compared to the 3 Series' 185.9 inches in length, though its width and height are also greater.

Which car provides better space for luggage or groceries?

The BMW 3 Series is the winner here, offering 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the Cadillac CT5's 11.9 cubic feet of space.

Are both cars expensive to fuel?

Both vehicles demand premium fuel for optimal performance; however, the BMW's superior efficiency (31 MPG vs 26 MPG) means you will spend less money overall keeping the tank full.