2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW 3 Series epitomizes sophisticated sport sedan dynamics, delivering 255 hp and a balanced 31 MPG combined from its RWD platform, perfect for the executive seeking premium refinement. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N thrills with a raw, engaging character, boasting 276 hp harnessed through an aggressive 6-speed manual transmission, albeit at the cost of efficiency, achieving only 24 MPG combined. The price gulf is significant: the BMW starts at $45,950, nearly $11,600 more than the Elantra N’s $34,350 entry point. While the BMW offers a slightly larger footprint at 185.9 inches long, the Elantra N compensates with a direct connection to the road and a palpable performance edge from its higher horsepower output. Buyers must weigh the BMW’s refined daily driving metrics, including its superior highway range, against the Elantra N's undeniable, budget-friendly fun factor.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 3 Series
The 2025 BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 31 MPG combined versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is superior to the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft, making it slightly more practical.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N provides a more visceral experience with 276 hp and the highly engaging 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N offers considerably more horsepower for $11,600 less than the BMW 3 Series, representing superior performance value.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 35 MPG on the highway compared to 29 MPG in the Elantra N.
- You desire the smooth shifting characteristics of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Your budget allows for the $45,950 MSRP and the cachet of a luxury badge.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You absolutely must have the driver engagement offered by a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer higher raw output, utilizing 276 hp over the 3 Series' 255 hp.
- Saving $11,600 on the purchase price is a primary deciding factor.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 3 Series | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.9" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.8" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 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 | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 436.8/546.0 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| 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 | 3 months |
| Premium Stereo System | — | Bose |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.7 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/35R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2025 Hyundai Elantra N.
Which car is faster off the line between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the Elantra N?
While the Elantra N boasts 276 hp versus the BMW's 255 hp, the 3 Series' RWD layout and 8-speed automatic transmission may allow it to launch more effectively than the Elantra N's FWD manual setup in straight-line acceleration tests.
How does the driving dynamic differ between the RWD BMW and the FWD Elantra N?
The BMW 3 Series, with its rear-wheel-drive configuration, generally offers superior balance and cornering neutrality. The Elantra N's front-wheel-drive architecture channels power to the front wheels, leading to a different, more assertive steering feel when pushed hard.
Is the premium unleaded fuel requirement a major running cost difference?
Yes, the BMW 3 Series is more efficient at 31 MPG combined, meaning you will visit the premium fuel pump less often than the Elantra N, which achieves only 24 MPG combined.
Which sedan offers better usability for passengers and luggage?
The 2025 BMW 3 Series is dimensionally larger and provides more utility, featuring 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Elantra N's 14.2 cubic feet.
Why is the BMW 3 Series significantly more expensive than the Elantra N?
The $45,950 MSRP for the BMW reflects its status as a luxury segment competitor, commanding a premium for interior refinement, brand prestige, and its sophisticated RWD engineering, compared to the value-focused $34,350 price of the Hyundai.
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