2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 BMW 3 Series

$34,995 · Sedan

$47,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 launches with an aggressive stance and the charm of American RWD performance, starting at a compelling $34,995 and offering 237 hp right out of the gate. It prioritizes agility with a compact 187.2-inch length and offers 10.7 cu ft of trunk space for essentials. In contrast, the 2026 BMW 3 Series arrives as the established benchmark, demanding $47,500 but delivering superior metrics across the board. The BMW boasts 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Caddy in raw power, and redeems its higher purchase price with an excellent 31 combined MPG versus the CT4’s 26. Furthermore, the 3 Series offers a cavernous 16.9 cu ft of cargo volume, making it the more versatile machine, although the CT4's lower entry cost is a major draw for budget-conscious driving purists.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series offers 31 combined MPG compared to the CT4's 26 MPG, leading to lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series provides substantially more utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series boasts higher output with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, promising a more exhilarating drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT4

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 presents exceptional entry-level luxury and RWD fun with an MSRP under $35,000.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

You are strictly focused on initial purchase price, as the CT4 starts $12,505 cheaper than the BMW.
You prefer the Cadillac's slightly more manageable exterior dimensions (187.2 inches long).
You are comfortable using premium unleaded fuel only as recommended, rather than required.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You demand superior straight-line performance, evidenced by the BMW's 255 hp output.
You prioritize long-term fuel savings, benefitting from the 3 Series' 31 combined MPG.
You frequently carry luggage or gear, as the 16.9 cu ft cargo hold is significantly larger.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT4	BMW 3 Series
Length	187.2"	185.9"
Width	71.4"	71.9"
Height	56.0"	56.8"
Wheelbase	109.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	237 hp @ 5000 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/32 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	374.0/544.0 mi.	436.8/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	15.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	205W
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	38.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	56.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.5 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	54.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Size	P225/45R17	225/45R18
Tire Type	✓	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 BMW 3 Series.

How much more powerful is the 2026 BMW 3 Series than the 2025 Cadillac CT4?

The 2026 BMW 3 Series offers a clear performance advantage with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is notably higher than the Cadillac CT4's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What is the primary fuel economy difference between these two RWD sedans?

The BMW 3 Series leads significantly in efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG. The Cadillac CT4 trails slightly with a combined rating of 26 MPG, making the BMW the better choice for minimizing gas station stops.

Is the difference in trunk space significant for daily use?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the BMW 3 Series offers 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Cadillac CT4 is restricted to just 10.7 cubic feet, which might impact longer trips.

How does the MSRP discrepancy affect the overall value proposition?

The $12,505 price gap heavily favors the CT4 for sheer accessibility into the luxury segment. However, the BMW's higher price reflects its greater horsepower and efficiency gains.

Do both cars use premium fuel?

Both vehicles specify premium unleaded. However, the Cadillac CT4 only recommends it for optimal performance, whereas the 2026 BMW 3 Series explicitly requires it.

Which vehicle is physically smaller overall?

The Cadillac CT4 is slightly smaller in two dimensions: it is 1.3 inches shorter in length (187.2 vs 185.9 inches) and 0.5 inches narrower (71.4 vs 71.9 inches) than the BMW 3 Series.