The ultimate difference between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2025 Cadillac CT4 comes down to what a buyer might really want and what they would settle for. The dream could be to acquire a BMW, renowned for being the benchmark in this compact luxury sedan class and with a glorious heritage. But if the budget takes issue with such aspirations, then there’s a more wallet-friendly alternative. The Cadillac badge won’t have the same prestige, but its looks and pricing could go a long way to compensate.
Let’s get granular with these two and find out if the heart strings or the purse strings get the biggest pull.
2025 BMW 3 Series
2024 model shown
Throughout the years, the BMW 3 Series has reigned supreme over the compact luxury car class, even if stiff competition exists in the form of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Nevertheless, a combination of driver appeal, technology, status, and even more driver appeal has transformed the 3 Series into one of those cars that transcends mere personal transportation to become part of the culture — a reward for hard work, a symbol to say “I’ve arrived.” Changes for 2025 are few, They include an update to the infotainment system — meaning fewer actions to achieve the desired functions — and BMW has enhanced the suspension’s ride comfort.
The 330i xDrive is a popular choice among 3 Series buyers. With a more-than-respectable 255 horsepower simmering under its hood and all-wheel drive hitting the tarmac, it will sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. Yet it achieves an impressive 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s another BMW asset, how the engines balance excellent power with fuel efficiency.
For more performance, 2025 3 Series drivetrains go from a 288-horsepower plug-in hybrid, up to a 523-horsepower M3 Competition xDrive. In between, there’s a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder developing 382 horsepower, while the highly desirable M3 begins with 473 horses.
The 3 Series offers a mix of luxury materials and cool technology, including the Curved Display, which is standard in every 3 Series. With a slightly longer wheelbase than the Cadillac CT4, the BMW gives occupants more space in both rows, as well as a spacious trunk. Prices start at $46,675, including the destination charge.
BMW 3 Series Highlights
Harmon Kardon audio: This optional surround-sound system makes the whole 3 Series experience even more luxurious. We think this is a good upgrade over the standard setup.
Driver Assistance: The 3 Series also adds protection to performance, especially with the advanced safety tech in the optional Driving Assistance package. It features lane-departure warning, parking sensors, and more. The pricier Driving Assistance Professional package adds adaptive cruise control and a partial self-driving function in traffic.
Infotainment: The 3 Series comes with the current iteration of BMW’s well-liked iDrive 8.5. The standard navigation system includes BMW Maps, and the voice command feature can also obey requests like opening (or closing) the sunroof.
Read our BMW 3 Series Expert Review or see 2025 BMW 3 Series models for sale near you.
2025 Cadillac CT4
2024 model shown
The 2025 CT4 is among the least expensive luxury sedans. And some buyers are going to like this idea of affordable luxury. We would argue that it has plenty of visual appeal as well. Changes this year are mainly a few new exterior color choices.
At its entry level, the CT4 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 237 horsepower. Buyers may also choose a 2.7-liter turbo four with 310 horses. The CT4-V brings 325 horsepower. All-wheel drive can be added to any of these choices. As an alternative to the mighty BMW M3, the turbocharged V6 in the CT4-V Blackwing develops 472 horsepower, going solely to the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission (yes, this is a real sport/luxury sedan) or a 10-speed automatic.
The CT4’s cabin avoids the old-school Cadillac approach of wood, leather and extravagant cushioning to focus on a more tech-rich vibe. Interior space and material quality aren’t quite up to BMW standards, though. Prices start at $36,390, including the destination charge.
Cadillac CT4 Highlights
Safety smarts: The standard Cadillac Smart System emphasizes the CT4’s affordability while still keeping to high levels of safety. This array’s technology includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, safety alert vibrating seat, rear parking sensors, and a Teen Driver mode.
Super Cruise: We’ve experienced this feature in many General Motors vehicles and put it among the best of its kind. It enables hands-free driving on thousands of miles of pre-mapped highways. It can even handle automatic lane changes without the driver touching the wheel. It’s optional in the CT4 and there’s nothing comparable in the BMW 3 Series.
Technology package: This optional bundle adds a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, color head-up display, Super Cruise, and additional interior air filtration to the Premium Luxury and Sport trims.
Read our Cadillac CT4 Expert Review or see 2025 Cadillac CT4 models for sale near you.
Similarities
Stylish and comfortable, the BMW 3 Series and Cadillac CT4 add elements of performance supported by technology to make convincing luxury vehicles. Resale values of both cars are a fraction below the class average, with the 3 Series having a bit of an edge.
Conclusion
The BMW 3 Series has established its unassailable position in the compact luxury sedan hierarchy because it’s extremely good at what it does. The Cadillac CT4 puts up a good fight, especially with the $10,000 price difference. But the 3 Series has more right from the start — power, space, and prestige. If the budget permits, that’s what we would choose.
New 2025 BMW 3 Series Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (60085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$47,125 |
$44,222 |
|||
$49,125 |
$46,472 |
|||
$61,375 |
$58,361 |
|||
$63,375 |
$60,643 |
New 2025 Cadillac CT4 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (60085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,390 |
$34,614 |
|||
$41,290 |
$39,270 |
|||
$42,490 |
$41,129 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 BMW 3 Series vehicles and New 2025 Cadillac CT4 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 BMW 3 Series | 2025 Cadillac CT4 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 237 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city mpg/34 highway mpg/29 combined mpg | 22 city mpg/32 highway mpg/26 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 3.0-liter turbo 6-cyl/2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl/hybrid/AWD | 2.7-liter turbo 4-cyl/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 109.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.9 inches | 185.4 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 71.4 inches |
| Height | 56.8 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.4 feet | 37.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.7 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.6 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.2 inches | 33.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.0 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.6 inches | 53.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 16.9 cubic feet | 10.7 cubic feet |
