The current BMW model lineup can be a confusing place. Look back 10 years and things were much simpler, with a handful of sedan and coupe models.
This changed in 2014 when BMW decided to split the 3 Series range and add the 4 Series. Before, you had one choice if you wanted a medium spec BMW sedan or coupe – you bought a 3 Series. So why did BMW change this?
The 3 Series vs The 4 Series
The introduction of the 4 Series was designed by BMW to keep up with their competition. Audi had the A4 model for sedan owners and the A5 if you wanted a sportier coupe. BMW didn’t have this split, and the 3 Series coupe looked a bit of an afterthought.
The result of this was a dedicated coupe model, based on the 3 Series but with a very different look. The original 4 Series was sleeker and had a more premium look, in both the interior and exterior design.
Things were clear at the start – the 3 Series was a 4-door model, and the 4 Series came with 2 doors. Easy right? Well for a time it was, and then things got complicated. Before we get into the current lineups, let’s look at the 3 Series and 4 Series history.
The 3 Series
The 3 Series was first produced in 1975. The first generation was only sold as a 2-door model, with a convertible option. Once the second generation was released in 1982, the 3 series moved to its familiar 4-door design and introduced an estate body type. The second generation also saw the first M3 edition, the E30.
The 3 Series stayed the same through the 1990s, with new generations introducing extra features. The next big change came in the fifth generation when BMW added the first turbocharged petrol engine to the 3 Series. This went one step further during the sixth generation, where all 3 Series models became turbocharged.
The latest generation (7th) was released in 2019, with the next generation expected around 2024.
The 4 Series
The 4 Series was first introduced in early 2014, with a coupe model only. Later in the year, BMW introduced a convertible 2-door model, and finally the 4-door gran coupe. As with the 3 series, BMW also introduced an M4 variant in 2014. In 2017 the 4 Series went through a facelift, with minor changes to the design and some updated engines.
In 2020, the new generation of 4 Series models was announced. The model range still included the coupe, convertible, and gran coupe. The most important change was the exterior design, which included the controversial new grille.
Comparing the current 3 Series vs the 4 Series
Now we’ve seen where each model comes from, you want to know how these two line up – and which one would be best for you…
Exterior Design
For BMW purists, the current 3 Series is a great example of safe design. It’s a very different car from the original 3 Series from the 1970s, but when you compare it to some of the other models in the current BMW range, it’s not going to shock anyone.
You can’t say the same about the 4 Series. For better or worse, BMW pushed the limits on exterior design, creating a car that no one can mistake for a 3 Series clone. It has split opinions, and I know a lot of BMW drivers with strong opinions for and against the design.
Part of the 4 Series design comes from its main role as a coupe. Even with the 4-door gran coupe, the car is not a sedan. You get a more aggressive stance at the front and rear, and a sloping profile from the side (more on this when we cover practicality).
Comparing the two cars below, I think it has to come down to personal taste. Driving a 3 Series, you are unlikely to turn many heads, and for some owners that is perfect. Drive a 4 Series, and you will attract a lot more good and bad attention.
Personally, the 4 Series design has grown on me. I remember seeing the first images and being honestly shocked, but I’ve seen a few models in real life, and it is better than the pictures make out. It’s not going to please everyone, and that’s fine, and most importantly, it is a very different design to the 3 Series.
Interior Design
The interior design of the 3 and 4 Series is almost identical. In both cars, you get the same standard layout for the infotainment screen and driver display and the same console layout too.
There are a couple of small differences in the cockpit. The console in the 4 Series is angled towards the driver more than in the 3 Series, and a few of the standard materials are of higher quality.
Both models have upgradable options such as the improved Soundsystem and Driver Assistance package (more on those here) so there isn’t much to choose from when it comes to the high-spec versions either.
Overall I don’t think there’s enough difference to choose a favorite here. At the end of the day, your decision on whether to buy a 3 Series vs a 4 Series won’t come down to the interior differences.
Practicality
This part might surprise you, but I think there are arguments for both models being practical. Let’s start by agreeing that the 4 Series coupe and convertible are the least practical by a long way. Both have small amounts of rear passenger room (although they are better than some competitors) and poor visibility for the driver.
Where the 4 Series is strongest is with the gran coupe. I might be biased here because I currently drive a 4 Series gran coupe, but that also puts me in a good position to argue the benefits.
Firstly, the gran coupe is perfectly fine for rear passengers. I used to own a 4 Series coupe and I’ll happily admit that my rear passengers hated it. In the gran coupe though, 4 doors are far more practical and there’s a surprising amount of headroom.
Another place the gran coupe shines (and I think beats the 3 Series sedan) is with storage space. Having a hatchback-style trunk/boot is a major bonus compared to the 3 Series sedan. The most practical model by far is the 3 Series touring, but I think it’s worth pointing out that you can have a 4 Series and it can be practical.
Performance
As you’d expect, there isn’t much difference in performance between the two models. Both models have similar choices when it comes to engines (both petrol and diesel), although the 3 series does have a hybrid option.
The 3 and 4 Series stats are closely matched with shared engines. At the highest spec, the M340i and M440i, the 3 Series is slightly quicker on paper, but it’s too small a difference to notice in real life.
Driving a 4 Series does give you the impression that it’s a faster vehicle though. This is mostly a result of the body style and lower driving position, giving you a sportier feel. Don’t expect a lot of performance if you’re driving one of the smaller engine specs though – the base models won’t impress anyone.
The economy of both models is close too. There isn’t much to split on MPG figures, with a slight advantage for the 3 Series. On paper, the most efficient is the hybrid 330e, but even the high-performance versions of each model have surprisingly good fuel economy (averaging around 25 mpg).
Price
After all the comparisons above, this is probably the most important part for most of you. Before the 4 Series, there was a small price increase for the coupe and convertible 3 Series versions, which is the same story.
Let’s look at the base models available – the 330i sedan and 430i coupe. Before any optional extras, the 4 Series costs over $3,000 more than its 4-door cousin. It is the same increase with the 4-door 430i gran coupe too.
Across the model range, you’ll see this premium on almost every 4 Series model. Earlier, we discussed the small improvements in the 4 Series interior, but that isn’t driving the cost increase. The premium comes from BMW assuming owners will pay more for a sportier vehicle and a model than is numbered higher in the range. This might sound stupid, but buyers will value a 4 Series badge higher than a 3 Series. And if it works who can blame BMW for their pricing?
Summary
Overall then, I think the biggest problem if you’re looking at a 3 Series vs a 4 Series is simply the choice on offer. Like a lot of manufacturers, the BMW lineup has become bloated, and although more choice is usually better, it’s not helping some buyers.
The first thing to decide is practicality. If you’re desperate for a coupe or convertible, then your choice is already made. If you’re looking for a good all-around model, I would recommend testing both a 3 Series sedan and a 4 Series gran coupe. The 4 Series might be more expensive, but you’re paying for a better interior and arguably a better exterior design.
If you’re on the fence about choosing a 3 Series vs 4 Series I hope the above helped you get closer to a final decision. If you’re looking at other models in the BMW range check out the links below too:
Comparing The Audi A6 vs The BMW 5 Series
The Best BMW Packages and Options
Comparing The BMW 3 Series vs The 5 Series
Which BMW Models Have Heads Up Display?
