2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$45,950 · Sedan

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the tried-and-true German entry luxury sedan and its compelling American challenger often comes down to budget versus badge prestige. If saving significant cash upfront is the priority, the 2026 Cadillac CT4 starts at a compelling $35,600, undercutting the 2025 BMW 3 Series by a substantial $10,350. However, the BMW counters with undeniable efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the CT4's 26 MPG combined. While both are nimble rear-wheel-drive sedans, the 3 Series offers slightly more power with 255 horsepower versus the CT4's 237 hp. Furthermore, practical space differs significantly; the 3 Series boasts 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the CT4's 10.7 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the immediate $10,350 savings against the BMW's superior fuel economy and cargo utility in their daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series offers significantly more utility for families with 16.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series provides a slight performance edge with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 wins on immediate value by being $10,350 cheaper at its base MSRP.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize minimizing fuel stops and maximizing efficiency, as indicated by its 31 MPG combined rating.
You frequently carry luggage or gear, benefiting from its much larger 16.9 cu ft trunk.
You prefer the marginal power boost offered by its 255 horsepower engine.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Your primary concern is saving money upfront, given its $35,600 MSRP saves you $10,350 instantly.
You are comfortable using premium unleaded fuel only as recommended, not strictly required, by Cadillac.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint on the road, as it is 1.3 inches shorter in length than the BMW.

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	—	✓
Heated 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	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 2026 Cadillac CT4.

How does the fuel cost difference between the 3 Series and the CT4 look over a year?

Since the BMW 3 Series gets 31 MPG combined versus the Cadillac CT4's 26 MPG combined, you will likely spend noticeably more annually on premium unleaded fuel in the CT4, despite its lower initial purchase price.

Is the difference in horsepower meaningful between the 255 hp BMW and 237 hp Cadillac?

While both are quick sedans with automatic transmissions, the BMW's extra 18 horsepower and higher 295 lb-ft of torque mean it will feel slightly quicker during highway merging or passing maneuvers.

Which sedan is physically larger, given the specs?

The Cadillac CT4 is marginally longer at 187.2 inches compared to the BMW's 185.9 inches, but the BMW is notably taller and wider, offering a more substantial feel on the road.

How much more cargo space does the BMW 3 Series offer over the CT4?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series provides 16.9 cu ft of cargo space, which is over 60% more than the 2026 Cadillac CT4's tight 10.7 cu ft capacity, making it far better for airport runs or grocery hauling.

Do both cars require the same type of gas?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Cadillac CT4 only recommends it, offering a slight flexibility advantage for the Cadillac driver.