2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers sophisticated practicality blended with rear-wheel-drive poise, boasting 255 hp and an excellent 30 combined MPG, making it a polished daily driver with a $49,650 entry point. Contrarily, the 2026 Nissan Z screams raw performance, delivering a staggering 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque through a visceral 6-speed manual transmission, albeit achieving only 20 combined MPG. This comparison pits efficiency and four-door usability against brute force thrills. The BMW measures 188.5 inches long and requires premium fuel, while the Z is significantly shorter at 172.4 inches and offers 145 more horsepower. The $6,680 price gap reflects this divergence: the BMW prioritizes refined segment performance, while the Z offers extreme power output for an enthusiast budget.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The 4 Series Gran Coupe wins commuter duty thanks to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a practical four-door sedan offering 16.6 cu ft of cargo space, essential for family use compared to the Z's two-door coupe body.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z provides undeniable excitement with 400 hp and the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z offers significantly more power (400 hp vs 255 hp) for a substantially lower MSRP of $42,970.
Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...
- You need everyday usability, benefiting from the 4 Series Gran Coupe's four doors and 16.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- Fuel stops are a priority, as the BMW delivers 30 combined MPG.
- You prefer the smoothness and consistent efficiency of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Your primary goal is maximum acceleration, capitalizing on the Z's 400 horsepower rating.
- You seek the tactile connection provided by a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prioritize raw performance gains, accepting a lower fuel economy (20 combined MPG) for the $6,680 initial cost savings.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.5" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.8" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 112.4" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 421.2/546.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 8.0 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 | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 8-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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | 245/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2026 Nissan Z.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Nissan Z compared to the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?
The Nissan Z is substantially more powerful, generating 400 horsepower, which is 145 hp more than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe’s 255 horsepower rating. This power delta is evident in their torque figures as well, with the Z offering 350 lb-ft versus the BMW's 295 lb-ft.
Is the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe significantly more efficient for daily driving?
Yes, the BMW is far more fuel-efficient for commuting duties, achieving a combined 30 MPG (27 city/35 highway). The Nissan Z reports a combined 20 MPG, indicating frequent stops at the premium unleaded pump.
Which car is better for long-distance road trips considering their size and capacity?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers the practical advantage with its longer 188.5-inch frame and 16.6 cu ft of cargo space, making it better suited for luggage. The Z is shorter at 172.4 inches and is designed as a focused driver's coupe.
What is the MSRP difference between these two rear-wheel-drive competitors?
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe starts at $49,650, while the 2026 Nissan Z begins at $42,970. This results in a $6,680 price advantage for the higher-horsepower Nissan Z.
Are both cars exclusively rear-wheel drive, and how do their transmissions compare?
Both vehicles utilize a rear-wheel-drive configuration, but their transmissions differ greatly in character. The BMW pairs its setup with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Z comes standard with a highly engaging 6-speed manual.
Does the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe require premium fuel while the Nissan Z only recommends it?
Yes, the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its powertrain to perform as rated. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Z specifies that premium unleaded is recommended, suggesting it can run on lower octane but may not reach its peak 400 hp.
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