2026 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series combines performance and luxury like few others in its class. Since its debut in the mid-1970s, the 3 Series has earned its reputation as a driver's car with alert, responsive handling, ample power, relaxed ride quality and polished fit and finish. It's an expertly balanced formula infused throughout the lineup, from the entry-level base trim to the thrilling high-performance M3. There's never a bad time to buy a 3 Series, but a new-generation model is on the way. If you always like to have the hottest tech, you may want to sit tight for the forthcoming redesign, but if you like the current version, don't wait too long to buy.

The big two German rivals, Audi and Mercedes, continue to figure in BMW's strategy. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a more polished interior and impressive advanced tech, but it's not as sporty or responsive as the 3 Series. The Audi A4's lively handling and similar features make it a closer match for the BMW, but Audi will discontinue it after 2025 (to be replaced by an A5 hatchback-style model). The Volvo S60 is a stylish European alternative with an available plug-in hybrid version, while the Genesis G70, Cadillac CT4 and Lexus IS all offer affordable alternatives.

Great soul singer Sam Cooke once intoned "a change is gonna come," but for the BMW 3 Series, it won't be this year. BMW prolongs the suspense as it readies the eighth generation of its durable compact sport sedan. The current 3 Series, now in its seventh year of production — ancient for a luxury sport sedan — gets a few new extra standard features, including a digital key (lets you lock, unlock and start the 3 Series with your phone and share the key with up to five people) and lane keeping assistance. The forthcoming new model may look quite different, with a taller window line and chunkier, angular proportions inspired by this Neue Klasse concept car. Revised versions of the current engines should carry over, and a hybrid is likely to return. An all-electric model will also likely join the lineup. If you like the look of today's 3 Series, get to your dealer sooner than later.