2025 Acura TLX vs. 2025 BMW 3 Series Comparison

Car shoppers seeking a compact luxury sedan with poise, performance, and a high degree of practicality ought to have these two intriguing alternatives on their “must consider” list. The 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 BMW 3 Series both come with turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, offer seating for five, and each has all-wheel drive (AWD) among their options.  

During our many miles of testing, the Acura TLX has earned high praise for its lithe handling and generous equipment — such as an exemplary surround-sound system fitted as standard. The BMW 3 Series, on the other hand, has been the perennial benchmark of its class with a special driver appeal. It’s equally well balanced when darting through twists and turns, but also has a back seat that adults can use, plus a reasonable amount of trunk space.

These two sedans deserve a deeper dive. Let’s look at some highlights of the TLX and 3 Series.

2025 Acura TLX

2024 model shown

Acura’s TLX lineup for 2025 consists of three trims: Technology, A-Spec, and Type S. Pricing starts at $46,595 for the entry-level model, including the destination charge. The base engine is a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit, which links to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The base Technology trim is the only front-wheel-drive variant, while all-wheel drive is standard on the A-Spec and Type S. Standard features include leather upholstery, wireless device charging, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. There are no major changes to the TLX for this model year.

Acura TLX Highlights

Quality and reliability: We get it — awesome zero-to-60 mph times are cool. But knowing the luxury vehicle you paid good money for will hold its value, and hold together after many miles of enjoyment, is also great. The TLX has a sterling record for reliability and resale value, plus a better warranty than the BMW.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive: Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) hardware is standard in the A-Spec and Type S. Don’t think AWD comes into play only when traversing soggy or snowy roads. This system maximizes increased grip and agility in every type of driving situation, rain or shine. 

Sporty Type S model: When choosing the Type S, the most significant upgrade is what’s going on in the engine bay. A 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 scoots the range-topping Acura TLX from standstill to 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. 

ELS audio system: Elliot Scheiner is the Grammy-winning sound engineer who provides the brains (and expert ears) behind this superb audio system. It’s offered in 12-speaker or 17-speaker formats.   

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the TLX models for sale near you. 

2025 BMW 3 Series

2024 model shown

The 2025 BMW 3 Series has a starting price of $46,675, including the destination charge. This is for the rear-wheel-drive 330i with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a smooth, efficient, and addictive powertrain that will suit the majority of 3 Series shoppers just fine. Except, as you’ll learn in a moment, BMW provides an array of exciting powertrain choices in the 3 Series. This even includes a 6-speed manual transmission for the purists.

BMW has updated the infotainment system this year, improved suspensions, tweaked the interior design, added new wheel designs, increased exterior paint choices, lightened the steering in Comfort mode. added 20 horsepower to its most muscular M3 variant, and discontinued the plug-in hybrid 330e.

BMW 3 Series Highlights

Driving dynamics: Get behind the wheel of a 3 Series and you’ll know why it’s been held in such high regard for so long. Even the standard model has sharp steering, a firm yet pliable suspension, and brakes that inspire confidence. 

Engine choices: Kick back, this is going to take a moment. The 3 Series is available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (330i), a turbocharged inline-6 (M340i), and a turbo inline-6 (M3). Highlights include the extra punch of the M340i’s 382 horses, as well as the mega acceleration afforded by the now 523-horsepower 2025 M3 Competition xDrive. Enthusiasts hankering for that 6-speed stick shift may be pleased to learn that it’s offered exclusively with the standard, rear-wheel-drive M3 that has only 473 horsepower.   

Curved Display: This expansive display consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster mounted flush with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. It looks like it could belong in spaceship, and comes standard in every 3 Series. 

Harman Kardon audio: Not to be outdone by the Acura TLX in the audio department, a booming 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system is optional. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 3 Series models for sale near you.    

Similarities

The Acura TLX and BMW 3 Series both illustrate that there’s still vibrant life in the luxury sedan field. Not everyone needs or wants the added size and heft of an SUV, or even a midsize luxury car. In their basic formats, these two have a high degree of agility, along with smartly designed cabins. And they can both be turned into thrilling speed machines via their optional engines. 

Conclusion

The BMW 3 Series comes out swinging with an array of powertrains, as well as playful driving manners that shine even in the base model. There’s so much to like here, which throws our few gripes into greater contrast. For instance, the mighty M3 has an equally mighty asking price of more than $75,000. Standard driver aids are also too skimpy, given the 3 Series’ status. 

Turning our attention to the Acura TLX, we think it makes a great case for itself with its build quality, greater range of standard features (including many more driving aids), and similarly enjoyable dynamics. Neither holds a definitive advantage to provide a compact luxury sedan knockout punch. Take both for a test drive, price the one you like most, and we think you’ll drive away happy.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Acura TLX vehicles and New 2025 BMW 3 Series vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

	2025 Acura TLX	2025 BMW 3 Series
Popular Powertrains
Engine	Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl.	Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6,500 rpm	255 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel economy MPG	22 city/31 highway/25 combined	28 city/35 highway/31 combined
Also Available	AWD; turbo 3.0-liter V6	AWD; turbo 3.0-liter inline-6; 6-speed manual
Specs
Basic Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5 stars	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	113.0 inches	112.2 inches
Overall Length	194.6 inches	185.7 inches
Width	75.2 inches	71.9 inches
Height	56.4 inches	56.8 inches
Turning Diameter	40.1 feet	37.4 feet
Headroom, Front	37.2 inches	38.7 inches
Headroom, Rear	36.3 inches	37.6 inches
Legroom, Front	42.4 inches	42.0 inches
Legroom, Rear	34.9 inches	35.2 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	58.2 inches	56.0 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	55.0 inches	54.6 inches
Cargo Volume	13.5 cubic feet	15.6 cubic feet