2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe explodes onto the scene as the sophisticated yet punchy four-door, boasting 255 hp and achieving a solid 30 MPG combined, all while wrapping occupants in German refinement starting at $49,650. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota GR86 champions pure, analog driving joy; it’s smaller at 167.9 inches long, focuses on driver engagement with a standard 6-speed manual, and delivers 228 hp for sheer thrills, all for a stunningly low entry price of $30,800. The BMW offers significantly more usable space, evidenced by its 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GR86's tiny 6.3 cu ft. Although the BMW holds a 27 hp advantage and saves 8 MPG combined over the Toyota, the GR86 wins on accessibility for the driving enthusiast seeking raw connection over cruising comfort.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, netting 30 MPG combined compared to the GR86's 22 MPG.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers significantly more practical space with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, unlike the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 is tailor-made for enthusiasts, featuring a standard 6-speed manual transmission and focusing purely on dynamic handling.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers exceptional performance thrills for its price, costing $18,850 less than the BMW.
Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...
- You prioritize daily driving comfort and require 27/35 MPG city/highway efficiency.
- You need the versatility of a four-door sedan with superior trunk space (16.6 cu ft).
- You desire the higher baseline output of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in an automatic package.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your absolute priority is driver engagement paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You are looking for the purest RWD experience available with an MSRP under $31,000.
- You want a smaller, nimbler vehicle, noted by its 167.9-inch length compared to the BMW's 188.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.5" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.9" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.8" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 112.4" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 421.2/546.0 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 53.6 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | 215/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How much does the difference in price affect the overall proposition?
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe starts at $49,650, presenting a significant $18,850 premium over the 2026 Toyota GR86, which begins at $30,800. This price gulf separates the luxury commuter experience from the dedicated sports coupe.
Is the BMW's extra horsepower worth the trade-off in fuel economy?
The BMW offers 27 more horsepower (255 hp vs. 228 hp), but this comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. The 4 Series achieves 30 MPG combined, while the GR86 only manages 22 MPG combined.
Which car is better suited for frequent road trips involving luggage?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the undisputed champion for cargo, offering 16.6 cu ft versus the GR86's extremely tight 6.3 cu ft. The BMW’s larger dimensions (188.5 inches long) directly translate to more passenger and storage space.
Are both cars Rear-Wheel Drive focused?
Yes, both the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the Toyota GR86 utilize a rear-wheel drive layout, though the BMW comes with an 8-speed automatic while the Toyota is predominantly associated with its manual gearbox.
How does the driving dynamic differ between these two RWD platforms?
The BMW emphasizes smooth, potent cruising with a focus on luxury isolation, thanks to its 295 lb-ft of torque delivered efficiently. Conversely, the GR86 demands more driver input for its 184 lb-ft of torque via its manual transmission, prioritizing direct road feedback.
Do I need premium fuel for either vehicle?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the 2026 Toyota GR86 explicitly require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool