Sport-sedan tastes have changed, but the BMW 3-Series has remained remarkably on-point and on its game for decades.
That has drawn challengers.
The Jaguar XE and Lexus IS are on the outside looking in, withering as consumer tastes have shifted elsewhere.
The Audi A4 is relatively aged, but offers good tech inside and conservative looks outside.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the chief rival for the 3-Series and is still handsome, with a stunning interior and perhaps better handling in its AMG versions than BMW has in its M cars.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Tesla Model 3, a car with indifferent build quality, last-generation-Mazda style, a bare-bones interior and a substandard rear seat—but one with undeniable appeal for drivers who want to be a part of the future of transportation.
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 2019 BMW 3-Series#1 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Audi A4#3 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Jaguar XE#15 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Lexus IS#14 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class#6 in Coupes Get Your Price |  2019 Tesla Model 3#2 in Large Cars Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2019 BMW 330i moves back toward the sweet spot in sport-sedan greatness, with M Sport and M editions still to come. |
The 2019 Audi A4 is hiding in plain sight as one of the automaker’s most complete and well-rounded cars. |
The 2019 Jaguar XE compact luxury sedan reminds us of the halcyon days of small four-door luxury cars. |
The 2019 Lexus IS has sports sedan intentions, but it needs more underhood muscle and fresher styling to keep pace with German rivals. |
Pricey and on the slighter side of mid-size, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class drops a beautiful cockpit, huge dollops of safety, and effortless AMG brilliance into the sport-sedan mix. |
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 is a glimpse of the future in many ways; but it’s far from perfect. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $40,250 | $37,400 | $36,995 | $38,560 | $41,400 | $35,000 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 20 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Electric |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Large Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 330i Sedan | Premium 40 TFSI | 25t RWD | IS 300 F SPORT RWD | C 300 Sedan | Standard Range Battery RWD *Ltd Avail* |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2019 BMW 3-Series vs. 2019 Audi A4 | 2019 BMW 3-Series vs. 2019 Jaguar XE | 2019 BMW 3-Series vs. 2019 Lexus IS | 2019 BMW 3-Series vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class | 2019 BMW 3-Series vs. 2019 Tesla Model 3 | |
