2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the polished refinement of the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the raw performance appeal of the 2025 Subaru WRX presents a classic dilemma: luxury polish versus accessible grit. The most immediate difference is the $11,900 MSRP gap, starting the BMW at $49,650 versus the WRX’s $37,750. While the WRX packs a slight horsepower advantage at 271 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp, the German machine counters with superior efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG (versus the WRX's 22 combined MPG). Commuters will notice the significant 8 MPG difference daily. Furthermore, the BMW offers 16.6 cu ft of cargo space, beating the WRX's 12.5 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the daily driving economics and premium feel of the 4 Series against the standard All-Wheel Drive and manual transmission excitement offered by the Subaru.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW offers slightly more practical space, with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard 6-speed manual transmission and slightly higher 271 hp output.
2025 Subaru WRX
The 2025 Subaru WRX offers significantly better performance specs for $11,900 less than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and can take advantage of the 35 highway MPG rating.
- You need slightly more practicality, with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space available.
- You prefer the smoothness of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You prefer to save $11,900 upfront, with an MSRP of $37,750.
- You require the year-round security of All-Wheel Drive and enjoy shifting a 6-speed manual.
- You seek maximum immediate power, as the WRX delivers 271 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.5" | 183.8" |
| Width | 72.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.8" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 112.4" | 105.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 421.2/546.0 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.3 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | 245/40R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2025 Subaru WRX.
How much more does the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe cost initially?
The BMW starts at an MSRP of $49,650, making it exactly $11,900 more expensive than the 2025 Subaru WRX, which begins at $37,750.
Which car is better for long highway drives based on fuel economy?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the clear winner for efficiency, offering 35 highway MPG compared to the WRX’s 26 highway MPG, which translates to an 8 MPG combined difference.
Does the Subaru WRX require premium fuel like the BMW?
No, the 2025 Subaru WRX only recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 271 hp engine, whereas the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (255 hp) requires premium unleaded.
Which sedan offers more utility for hauling gear?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe provides more usable space with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the Subaru WRX’s 12.5 cu ft.
Which vehicle comes standard with an automatic transmission?
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is exclusively equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2025 Subaru WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Are these cars similar in physical size?
They are similarly sized sedans, though the BMW is slightly longer at 188.5 inches versus the WRX's 183.8 inches, while the WRX is slightly taller at 57.8 inches compared to the BMW's 56.8 inches.
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