The 10 best BMW 3 Series alternatives in 2025

The BMW 3 Series has been a consummate all-rounder for decades. Renowned for bringing truly excellent handling, swift and efficient engines and a good sense of style to what’s still a fairly sensible family saloon, the 3 Series has always been the one to beat when it comes to impact executive cars – it’s the Volkswagen Golf of its market sector.

Available as a saloon or a ‘Touring’ (that’s ‘estate’ in BMW speak) the 3 Series family also includes the closely-related 4 Series Coupe and Convertible, the X3 SUV and iX3 and i4 electric cars. However, the core of the range are the standard 3 Series saloon and 3 Series Touring.

They’re still excellent cars – but with prices starting at more than £40,000, and the demise of the popular diesel options which were the best engines you could get, the 3 Series is slightly less of an all-rounder than it was before. An all-new 3 Series is also on the way next year.

So what should you get if the latest 3 Series isn’t the car for you? Are there any good options if you’d prefer a car from a different brand? Perhaps you’d like to spend a little less money, or you want something with a diesel engine. Maybe you’d prefer a car that focuses more on practicality or comfort, or you’d like a fully electric car instead?

Well, we’ve got all the best options below, so read on to find out what we think the best BMW 3 Series alternatives are.

Our pick of the best BMW 3 Series alternatives comprises:

1. Audi A5
2. Mercedes C-Class
3. Volkswagen ID7
4. BMW X3
5. Tesla Model 3
6. Volvo V60
7. Alfa Romeo Giulia
8. BMW i4
9. Peugeot 3008
10. Skoda Superb

1. Audi A5

Best for: tech heads

The last of the ‘big three’ German luxury brands, Audi’s A4 may not be quite as fresh as the more recently released BMW and Mercedes, but it’s still an excellent executive car nonetheless.

With excellent interior design and quality, plus all the tech you’re likely to need, the A4 is a refined executive car, and a consummate all-rounder, and it also looks rather attractively priced next to its BMW and Mercedes rivals.

2. Mercedes C-Class

Best for: luxury and comfort

You can trust the company that invented the motor car to field a decent competitor to the 3 Series, and you’d be right to do so: the latest Mercedes C-Class offers a masterclass in luxurious, effortless comfort.

While its boot is a little smaller than the BMW’s and the large central infotainment screen won’t be to all tastes, it really is an excellent car that will make you feel special each time you open the door and climb aboard.

3. Volkswagen ID7

Best for: going electric with class

The more natural alternative to the BMW 3 Series would be the Volkswagen Passat but, frankly, the new Skoda Superb (below) is mechanically similar and a better car than the latest version. The VW ID7, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish – it’s a big, classy electric car with a standout range.

Some models can go more than 400 miles on a single charge, making them ideal for the sort of high-mileage drivers who may previously have bought BMW 3 Series diesels. The ID7 is surprisingly good value, too, and very practical thanks to its hatchback boot.

4. BMW X3

Best for: BMW buyers who want an SUV

So you like the 3 Series but it’s just not practical enough for you or your family – and the Touring estate doesn’t suit either. Well, why not keep it in the family with the latest BMW X3?

The X3 comes with the same petrol or plug-in hybrid engines as the 3 Series but is also available as a diesel – all models have a taller, more practical interior than the equivalent 3 Series. Material quality isn’t as good as perhaps you’d hope for the price, but it’s great to drive.

5. Tesla Model 3

Best for: tech and performance

Anyone considering an executive car should give serious thought to the Tesla Model 3. With an excellent range from its large battery, fast recharging and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, life with a Model 3 is about as easy as things get where EVs are concerned.

Don’t forget to factor in a serious turn of speed, too, as this electric car can keep up with serious performance machines in a straight line at least. The interior may be a little too minimalist for some tastes, and build quality can be slightly inconsistent, but those are about the only downsides.

6. Volvo V60

Best for: safety and serenity

The Volvo S60 saloon is no longer available to buy in the UK, but the V60 estate returned after a short hiatus and is still a great alternative to a 3 Series Touring. With Volvo’s minimalist but beautifully trimmed interior, it’s a great place to sit, and to drive it’s both comfortable and relaxed.

You should have no concerns over safety either, with Volvo’s record pretty much the best in the business.

7. Alfa Romeo Giulia

Best for: handling and fun

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is brilliant but flawed: on the one hand it looks amazing and handles like a proper sports car, while on the other interior quality isn’t as strong as it could be and the rear seats are tight.

But perfection is boring while character is compelling, and you’re unlikely to be bored in the Giulia. Just to give you an idea of how focussed its design team was on making it handle well, all models – from the standard 2.2-litre diesel to the 510hp Quadrifoglio performance version – have a carbon-fibre propshaft for strength and lightness in the drivetrain.

7. BMW i4

Best for: being an electric 3 Series

The BMW i4 is undeniably a little overlooked in BMW’s EV range – it’s not as glamorous as the larger i5 or i7, or as practical as the iX1 or iX3 SUVs. But it’s better to drive than any of them, with great handling from its compact, low-slung body.

Range and charging isn’t up there with the best EVs as the i4 is a few years old now, but if you want something that’s as close as possible to a 3 Series while also being electric, this is your best option.

9. Peugeot 3008

Best for: something totally different for the money

Now this comes a bit from the left field – the Peugeot 3008 isn’t something that would necessarily be on your shopping list, but it’s worth noting that this is a great, premium-feeling SUV – and for the same price as a basic 3 Series you can get a range-topping 3008 with some change.

And you won’t feel like you’ve taken a step down in the world once you’re sat inside. The 3008’s interior is honestly lovely – it’s made with posh materials and the design is stunning. Choose from a slightly sluggish hybrid or the much more powerful plug-in model, or you can even go for a fully electric E-3008.

10. Skoda Superb

Best for: families with lots of clutter

If you find you’ve outgrown your BMW 3 Series, look no further than the Skoda Superb. This is a truly cavernous family car – the boot is huge, the back seats are palatial, and it’s packed with smart storage solutions and extra little touches bundled under Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ mantra.

It’s also great to drive, being so good on a cruise that we awarded it the Comfortable Cruiser gong in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards. It’s a fab all-rounder and one that won’t feel like a downgrade from even the fanciest 3 Series.

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