2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$49,650 · Sedan

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most striking numerical disparity between the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (car1) and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI (car2) is the $15,905 difference in starting MSRP, placing the BMW at $49,650 versus the Jetta GLI's $33,745. Performance metrics favor the BMW, which delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Jetta GLI's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is identical on paper, with both achieving a combined 30 MPG, though the BMW’s 27/35 MPG split slightly outperforms the Jetta GLI’s 26/36 MPG split when factoring in the required premium fuel. In terms of packaging, the BMW is slightly longer at 188.5 inches compared to 186.9 inches and offers 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Jetta’s 14.1 cu ft. The BMW employs RWD with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Jetta GLI provides a standard 6-speed manual and FWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW offers superior highway efficiency (35 MPG) and a smoother standard 8-speed automatic transmission for stop-and-go driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 4 Series Gran Coupe provides 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is 2.5 cu ft more than the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The standard 6-speed manual transmission in the Jetta GLI is preferred by driving purists over the standard 8-speed automatic in the 4 Series.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI is significantly cheaper at $33,745 while offering nearly the same combined 30 MPG rating.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize the 27 hp advantage and 295 lb-ft of torque output.
You require a rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
You need the maximum available cargo space, offering 16.6 cu ft.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Your primary concern is minimizing acquisition cost, saving $15,905 off the starting MSRP.
You prefer the direct engagement of a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
You value slightly better highway fuel economy (36 MPG) and only require recommended premium fuel.

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	—
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

What is the total fuel cost difference between these two models?

While both vehicles achieve a combined 30 MPG, the BMW 4 Series mandates premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Jetta GLI only recommends it, potentially leading to lower long-term operational costs for the Volkswagen.

How does the 27 hp difference affect real-world acceleration?

The BMW 4 Series offers 27 more horsepower (255 hp vs. 228 hp) and a 37 lb-ft torque advantage, which should translate into noticeably quicker acceleration times from a standstill, especially given its RWD platform.

Does the difference in body style (Sedan vs. Gran Coupe) impact usability?

Both are functionally four-door sedans, but the BMW is designated as a Gran Coupe, and in this specific configuration, it offers 2.5 cubic feet more cargo space (16.6 vs. 14.1 cu ft).

Which car is physically smaller?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is slightly more compact, measuring 186.9 inches long compared to the BMW’s 188.5 inches in length, and it is narrower by exactly 2.1 inches (70.8 vs. 72.9 inches).

Is the automatic transmission in the BMW significantly better than the Jetta's manual option?

The BMW features a modern 8-speed shiftable automatic, providing efficiency and convenience, while the Jetta GLI includes a 6-speed manual as standard, appealing to drivers who prioritize driver control over ease of use.

What are the primary drivetrain differences affecting handling?

The BMW 4 Series utilizes a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system, typically favored for balanced performance dynamics, whereas the Jetta GLI uses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration.