While the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord offer a dependable and affordable practical sedan experience, they lack a little in terms of class and overall status, if you like that kind of thing. If so, it’s difficult to beat something built in Germany, given the nation’s history of building luxurious and professional sedans, which also tend to offer a bit of welcome sportiness on the side.
The likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have been following this sedan recipe for decades, with each trying to become the authority on the subject. Their reputation comes with a cost though, and even a 250 hp example will cost you a significant chunk of cash. This is the cheapest on sale in 2026.
The BMW 330i Has A Dwindling Lead Over The Competition
Silver 2026 Mercedes-Benz C 300 frontMercedes-Benz
The standard 330i enjoys a considerable advantage over its closest German rival, the Mercedes-Benz C 300. The base RWD Mercedes will set you back at least $49,650. Like the BMW, the C 300 comes packing a 2.0-liter I4 engine twinned with a small mild-hybrid system that produces 255 hp, which is sent to the rear wheels by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The BMW gets to 60 mph a full 0.3s faster though, which is mainly down to the C 300 weighing nearly 200 pounds more.
Model
2026 BMW 330i
2026 Mercedes-Benz C 300
2026 Audi A5 Sedan
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged I4 with mild hybrid
2.0-liter turbocharged I4 with mild hybrid
2.0-liter turbocharged I4
Power
255 hp
255 hp
268 hp
Torque
295 lb-ft
295 lb-ft
295 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.6 seconds
6.0 seconds
5.6 seconds
Fuel Economy (CTY/HWY/AVG)
28/35/31 MPG
26/36/30 MPG
24/32/27 MPG
Weight
3,644 pounds
3,825 pounds
TBC
The BMW’s biggest problem is the all-new Audi A5. It starts at $50,200, but it’s a massive leap forward in this particular segment. It has the nicest interior by far, and it boasts all the latest technological advantages. Given how close these cars are in price, the BMW may be the winner, but we’d spend our cash on the Audi, or wait for the new 3 Series.
Related
2025 Audi A5 & S5 First Drive Review: Have Your Cake And Eat It
The latest A5 replaces the A4, and makes some interesting changes. Here’s why that’s a good thing.
The BMW 3 Series Is Old, But Still Good
2025 BMW 330i front 3/4BMW
Aside from the big three premium German automakers currently involved in the US market, there is little other choice if you want a sedan. On one side of the coin, you have Volkswagen, which offers the Jetta GLI, though this budget sports sedan only kicks out 228 hp. At the higher end of the pricing spectrum, you have Porsche. The sports car maker produces the Panamera sedan, though you’ll need to cough up over $100,000 to own a new one. That leaves the usual trio and, on this occasion, it is BMW that comes out on top.
The marque’s base 3 Series, the 330i, boasts 255 hp and starts from $48,000. The 3 Series is one of BMW’s longest-standing models, having first appeared way back in 1975. A total of seven generations of the model have been developed as of 2025, with each taking into account the changing tastes and expectations of motorists around the world.
The Seventh-Gen 3 Series Is Not Much Longer For This World
2025 BMW 330i driving rear 3/4BMW
The current seventh-gen G20 3-Series has been stalking US roads since 2018, having started off as a 2019 model year vehicle. It was facelifted in 2022, with the headlines including slightly softer styling, the eight-speed automatic gearbox becoming standard in all models, as well as a new multimedia setup on the inside. The G20 won’t be around much longer, with its replacement set to debut as a 2027 MY model.
The 330i Is A Decently Potent Sedan
2025 BMW 330i driving front view in blueBMW
In the distant past, a 330i would have been equipped with one of BMW’s legendary naturally aspirated straight-six powerplants, though things have changed over the last couple of decades. As manufacturers aim to reduce emissions and make their products as efficient as possible, the 2026 330i wades into battle with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. It may not sing the same spirited song that the 330is of years ago, but its 255 hp gets the things shifting at a decent rate.
The Beemer can sprint past the 60 mph barrier in 5.6 seconds, with this acceleration being assisted thanks to the power being channeled to the rear wheels. The I4 is also mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system for 2025, which helps to get the engine spinning that bit quicker, as well as help save fuel. The added traction afforded by the RWD layout is useful when giving it a bit of a push on a twisty back road, while the weight being shared more equally between the front and rear compared to a conventional front-wheel drive car assists the vehicle’s handling balance. The 330is efficient acceleration is also made possible by its eight-speed auto transmission, which effortlessly rows through the gears.
The 330i Offers Engaging Handling
2025 BMW M330i side profileBMW
Being a BMW, the 330i was also developed to handle well on a variety of roads. Its all-round independent suspension setup was retuned slightly for 2025 to afford drivers a better compromise between handling and comfort. The dampers in particular were worked on to ensure that the car could be made a little more comfortable, with the previous tune being more on the stiff and jiggly side. The new settings retain the 330is’ athleticism, but also make it easier to live with on normal roads. Alongside this, the steering is also nicely weighted and precise, which helps drivers gain confidence and greater engagement behind the wheel.
2026 BMW 3 Series Sedan DashboardBME
Despite being an entry-level car, the 330is $48,000 price tag is still pretty steep. You do get a fair amount of standard toys for the money, with satellite navigation, heated synthetic sports seats, and a light-boosting moonroof all being included at no extra charge. You’ll also be treated to sporty 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as a choice between more purposeful aluminum trim or upper-market wood fixtures.
Related
10 Used German Sports Sedans Cheaper Than A Base 2025 BMW 3 Series
Some of the best sports sedans ever made have come out of Germany, and many of them now cost less than a base-level 2025 BMW 3 Series.
Sources: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz.
