The 2013 BMW 3-Series faces its most direct challenge this year from an unlikely rival: General Motors.
The all-new Cadillac ATS offers steering and handling, as well as overall performance, that's right on par with the 3-Series—although the base 328i is a bit more fun to drive than the base ATS.
The rest of the sedans in this class each have some pretty significant flaws.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has also gone four-cylinder, but its 201-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine in the C250 isn’t quite a substitute for a six-cylinder engine the way that the 328i’s 240-hp engine is.
The Lexus IS has one of the oldest designs among compact sport sedans; it’s not at all competitive in IS 250 guise, but the IS 350 can be quite enjoyable to drive.
The IS ride and handling aren't nearly as fine-tuned as in the 3-Series, though.
The Audi A4 has a strong, economical base powertrain in its current 2.0T form, and its handling is tuned to target the 3-Series, but it doesn’t offer nearly the tech options you can find in the BMW.
Infiniti’s G37 drives like a sports coupe and has excellent steering and handling, but it’s the harshest offering in this class and lacks luxury-car refinement.
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 2013 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2013 Cadillac ATSBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2013 BMW 3-Series is safe, fuel-efficient, and well-connected, yet it delivers the class-leading performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect. |
Magnificent design and technology sets the Audi A4 apart, but it's not quite as sporty as its BMW and Cadillac competition. |
With unerring focus on handling, Cadillac finally has the 3-Series' number with the 2013 ATS. |
For those who are image-conscious yet value-conscious, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class sedans and coupes make a lot of sense. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $32,550 | $32,500 | $33,095 | $35,350 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 13 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact | Compact |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Sedan 320i RWD South Africa | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 2.5L RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 250 Sport RWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2013 BMW 3-Series vs. 2013 Audi A4 | 2013 BMW 3-Series vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS | 2013 BMW 3-Series vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
