The BMW 3 Sequence bought a bunch of upgrades in 2023 after which bought some extra for the 2025 mannequin yr. Whereas modifications for the latest mannequin yr are nearer to “nonexistent” than “main,” the 2026 BMW 3 Sequence isn’t precisely down for the rely. Its wonderful customary tech options, peerless powertrain choices, and inoffensive styling enable it to handily stay the usual bearer for compact luxurious sedans — even when taking a yr off from self-improvement. We extremely advocate the G20 3 Sequence, particularly the M340i, and actually a couple of BMWBLOG author has acquired one for themselves through the years. You’ll be able to try our 2025 M340i assessment and a long-term M340i xDrive assessment for a good suggestion of what to anticipate from the 2026 BMW 3 Sequence.
Engine Choices, Transmission, and Efficiency
The three Sequence is accessible with four- or six-cylinder engines, xDrive all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. There aren’t actually any dangerous selections right here, and your selection needs to be according to what you want the automobile to do. The usual 330i makes do with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Stepping as much as the M340i will get you entry to the legendary B58 engine, rated at 386 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The quickest 3 Sequence not carrying an M3 badge is the M340i xDrive, which may reliably obtain a zero to 60 mph time of round 4.1 seconds.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World Effectivity
The 2026 BMW 3 Sequence seemingly gained’t be examined for gasoline economic system, however we count on effectivity to stay unchanged from final yr’s mannequin. Rear-wheel drive automobiles get one of the best gasoline economic system, because the 330i achieves 28 mpg metropolis and 35 mpg freeway for a mixed 31 mpg mixed. Regardless of an enormous energy benefit, the M340i achieves practically as spectacular numbers, returning an estimated 27/33/29 mpg. xDrive drops these numbers just a bit bit, and each automobiles get 29 mpg mixed and 26 mpg within the metropolis. 4-pot fashions have a slight benefit on the freeway, getting 34 mpg the place the M340i xDrive will get 34 mpg.
Inside Options and Cargo Area
The three Sequence inside noticed minor enhancements simply final yr, and nothing modifications for the brand new mannequin yr. SensaTec comes customary and is greater than “adequate,” however a $1,500 upcharge for Vernasca leather-based is decidedly affordable. We advocate stepping as much as no less than the $1,100 Comfort Bundle on 330i fashions, which provides a heated steering wheel, energy tailgate, and extra driver help options. The $900 Harman Kardon sound system might be well worth the improve too, though for those who’re a real audiophile you’ll seemingly need to look to the aftermarket.
With 17 cubic ft of trunk house, the 2026 BMW 3 Sequence outperforms each the Mercedes C-Class (12 cubic ft) and Genesis G70 (11 cubic ft). The Audi A5 — bear in mind, the Audi A4 is now MIA — is technically extra of a hatchback. Because of this, it presents commensurately extra room for issues, 26 cubic ft. However so far as conventional three-box sedans go, the three Sequence continues to be a typical bearer for the section.
Expertise and Connectivity
All the most recent techno gadgetry comes customary with the 2026 BMW 3 Sequence, together with a 14.9-inch middle display and 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Voice instructions, navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM radio are all included. The three Sequence, in comparison with its rivals, presents a number of worth on this realm, with rivals like Mercedes providing the necessities — like wi-fi cellphone compatibility — however not lots of the extras. Probably the most tech-savvy customers will seemingly discover a number of worth within the Premium Bundle. For $1,950, you get a head-up show, distant engine begin, and many extra driver aids.
Security Options and Driver Help Choices
The 2026 BMW 3 Sequence comes with lane-keeping help, Ahead Collision Mitigation, and pace restrict information displayed within the sprint. Virtually every part else from BMW’s suite of driver help options may be added, however it’ll value you. Once more, the Comfort Bundle is straightforward to advocate, because it additionally contains blind spot detection and lane-departure warning. Greatest $1,100 you possibly can spend on a brand new 3 Sequence. Previous that, the $500 Driving Help Bundle can also be a great worth. It provides distance management to cruise management methods, which can even have the ability to carry your automobile to and from a whole cease. Quick stops (beneath three seconds) solely, although. Curiously, it has really gotten $200 inexpensive year-over-year. Worth!
Different worth buys embody the $800 Parking Help Bundle, which now additionally contains aspect safety and continues to supply self-parking and a 360-degree digicam system. We’re much less favorable of the $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Bundle. However for those who actually need your 2026 BMW 3 Sequence to drive itself in rush hour visitors, there is no such thing as a manner round it.
Pricing and Trim Breakdown
Final yr, the three Sequence began at $45,400. This yr, you’ll pay just a little bit extra. Base MSRP for the 2026 BMW 3 Sequence is $47,500 earlier than vacation spot charges ($48,675 all-in). The Genesis G70 is a discount by comparability, commanding $44,245 and providing extra horsepower, customary driver aids, bigger 19-inch alloys, and a cabin with just a few extra buttons in it. That could be a constructive or a destructive relying on who you’re. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class begins at $49,600; in the meantime the liftback A5 may be yours for across the identical.
Last Verdict: Ought to You Purchase the 2026 BMW 3 Sequence?
As we mentioned in the beginning of the story, we’ve put our cash the place our mouth is a number of instances all through the G20 3 Sequence’s lifecycle. It’s a hard-to-beat worth in its section and does an incredible job channeling traits that ha made BMW an incredible worth for many years. The 2026 BMW 3 Sequence begins manufacturing in August 2025 and can stay in manufacturing via subsequent yr.
