2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$49,650 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between luxury performance and accessible fun often boils down to budget versus badge appeal. This comparison pits the sophisticated 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe against the spirited 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The BMW starts at a hefty $49,650, asking $16,435 more than the Jetta GLI's $33,215 MSRP, a significant gap for daily drivers. While the BMW offers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its RWD platform, the Jetta GLI delivers a commendable 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with FWD and a standard manual transmission. Interestingly, both achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, though the BMW's slight edge in cargo space (16.6 cu ft vs. 14.1 cu ft) and extra 27 hp give it a performance edge for those willing to pay the premium for German engineering.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins for daily commuting due to its significantly lower MSRP and ability to run on recommended, rather than required, premium fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers slightly more practicality with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW provides superior raw power with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, justifying its enthusiast appeal despite the Jetta's engaging manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers 93% of the BMW's combined MPG for a difference of over $16,000 in initial purchase price.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe delivers 255 hp.
You prefer the balanced handling dynamics afforded by its standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup.
You need slightly more usable storage space, benefiting from 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Your budget is tighter, as the Jetta GLI undercuts the BMW by $16,435 with an MSRP of $33,215.
You prefer an engaging driving experience provided by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
You want to save money by using premium fuel only as 'recommended' rather than 'required' like in the BMW.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	188.5"	186.9"
Width	72.9"	70.8"
Height	56.8"	57.3"
Wheelbase	112.4"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
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	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Volkswagen
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	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	421.2/546.0 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	400W
Speaker System	10	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	6-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	—	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	51.4 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	245/45R H	225/45R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Is the performance difference between the two sedans noticeable?

Yes, the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe packs 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the Jetta GLI has 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving the BMW a definite edge in straight-line speed.

How much more expensive is the BMW compared to the Volkswagen?

The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has an MSRP of $49,650, making it $16,435 more expensive than the $33,215 base price of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Which car offers better fuel economy for long commutes?

Surprisingly, they are tied for combined efficiency at 30 MPG; however, the BMW achieves slightly better highway efficiency at 35 MPG compared to the Jetta GLI's 36 MPG highway rating.

Does the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe come standard with an automatic transmission?

Yes, the BMW utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Volkswagen Jetta GLI comes standard with a more driver-focused 6-speed manual transmission.

Are either of these cars practical for carrying a small family?

Both are four-door sedans, but the BMW offers slightly better utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft.

What are the primary differences in driving dynamics regarding the drivetrain?

The BMW 4 Series utilizes Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), known for balanced performance, while the Jetta GLI uses Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which is typically preferred for better all-weather traction in budget performance packages.