Key Points
- No changes for 2026
- Output range from 255-523 horsepower; fuel-economy range from 18-31 mpg combined
- 330i priced from $49,350; M3 starts at $80,650 (all prices include a $1,350 destination charge)
What’s New?
Introduced in 2019, the current-generation BMW 3 Series turns 8 years old for the 2026 model year, which is solidly retirement age in car years. But it remains a deeply engaging entry-luxury sedan, boasting a menu of strong and (mostly) efficient engines, comfortable ride and athletic handling, and an appropriately upscale interior. Tweaked for 2025 with an updated infotainment system, minor changes to suspension tuning and new interior materials, the 3 Series rolls into 2026 unchanged.
Related: 2025 BMW 3 Series Gets New Tech, Starts at $46,675
Release Date and Pricing
The 2026 BMW 3 Series is on sale now. Full pricing is below; BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive is $2,000 extra on the 330i and M340i and $5,100 extra on the M3 Competition (there’s no AWD base M3).
- 330i: $49,350
- 330i xDrive: $51,350
- M340i: $63,650
- M340i xDrive: $65,650
- M3: $80,650
- M3 Competition: $84,850
- M3 Competition xDrive: $89,950
Powertrain Specs and MPG
The entry-level 3 Series, the 330i, is powered by a 255-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 295 pounds-feet of torque; it’s only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 330i is rear-wheel drive and returns an EPA-rated 28/35/31 mpg city/highway/combined. The AWD 330i xDrive is rated at 26/34/29 mpg.
The M340i represents a near-miraculous blend of increased power, with only a minimal hit to efficiency. Its turbo 3.0-liter inline-six generates 386 hp and 398 pounds-feet, gains of 131 hp and 103 pounds-feet, but in RWD form, it still returns 27/33/29 mpg. The AWD M340i xDrive is rated at 26/33/29 mpg.
BMW must have expended all its magic on the M340i, because while it’s a similar step up in power to the M3, here fuel economy plummets. Also powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six — but this one with twin turbos — the M3 makes 473 hp, which it exclusively routes through a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels only. This version of the M3 is rated at 16/23/19 mpg.
The M3 Competition is also RWD but gets another 30 hp and an eight-speed automatic. In the AWD M3 Competition xDrive, BMW cranks up the inline-six to 523 hp. The RWD M3 Competition returns 16/23/19 mpg, while the AWD M3 Competition xDrive is rated at 16/23/18 mpg.
Read More About the BMW 3 Series:
- With the Acura TLX Being Discontinued, What Other Sports Sedans Should You Consider?
- 2024 BMW 3 Series Starts at $45,495, M3 at $76,995
- 2024 BMW M3 CS Sheds Weight, Gains More Power
- Which Cars Are Made Outside the U.S.?
- Which Cars Have Head-Up Displays?
Trim Levels and Safety Features
For a luxury car — or any vehicle in 2026 — the 3 Series is short on standard safety tech; forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are it. However, numerous reasonably priced options packages allow buyers to add blind spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, emergency steering assist, traffic-jam assist, lane-centering assist, a 360-degree camera system, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
Other standard equipment on the 330i includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a moonroof, and keyless entry and start. The cabin is upholstered in synthetic leather and features power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.9-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The only difference between the 330i and 330i xDrive is the latter’s standard AWD.
In addition to its more powerful engine, the M340i is also fitted with sportier suspension and steering, as well as an upgraded rear differential and larger brakes with blue calipers. It rides on 19-inch wheels and gets revised front and rear bumpers, a power-operated trunk lid with a lip spoiler, and black exterior trim. More safety technologies are standard on the M340i, including blind spot monitors, lane-centering assist, road-sign recognition, and front, side and rear parking sensors. It also gets remote start and a heated steering wheel. As with the 330i, the only difference between the M340i and M340i xDrive is the powertrain.
An iconic do-it-all sports sedan, the M3 shares its body shell with the regular 3 Series but gets an overhauled chassis with upgraded suspension and brakes, flared body work, an aluminum hood, and staggered 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. Its interior content is largely the same as the M340i’s, with the addition of sport front seats, leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon sound system. Rear cross-traffic alert is also included. Standard equipment on the M3 Competition and Competition xDrive is the same, with the Competition adding the eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive including AWD.
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