BMW's 3 Series is one of the definitive premium mid-size sedans that has existed for ages and has set many benchmarks for other manufacturers to match. There is a rich tapestry and pedigree to the 3 Series. We've tested quite a few of these models and you can check the reviews out under each entry.
Related: What are the best premium hatchback cars in 2024?
The latest edition of the 3-Series features the new BMW Curved Display, styling adjustments while still keeping the signature kidney grille design and much much more. Here's our latest 3 Series reviews along with some examples for sale. For something so renowned, the competition also wants a piece of the pie, so we looked at 8 of the best similar cars to the BMW 3-Series for you to check out.
We'll start with some brand-new options:
1. Audi A4
One of the German European competitors, the Audi A4, is younger than the 3 Series, only appearing in the early 1990s, succeeding the Audi 80. Since then, Audi has experimented with sports equipment, different yet exciting engine configurations, and their famous Quattro all-wheel drive systems. The latest models epitomise Audi's current design language and separate itself from its competition by being the sportier one of the leading German mid-size sedan offerings.
Check out our Audi A4 review here and check out used or new A4 options here.
2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Another famous German European competitor and, if anything, a rival. Much like the Audi A4, the C-Class is fairly young as well, and the first model appeared in the early 1990s, succeeding the famous 190 model. The C-Class embodied elegance since its inception and still owns that title today with a great emphasis on technology. The latest generation does look quite sleek and has a lot of personality to it.
Check out our Mercedes-Benz C-Class reviews here and check out some used and new options here.
3. Lexus IS
Over in Japan, Lexus rolled up its sleeves and gave their spin on the luxury mid-size sedan to rumble with the greatest. The IS surprised many from its inception and further showed what Japan is capable of when it comes to luxury vehicles. The 'IS' designation stands for 'Intelligent Sport'. With the well-known Toyota reliability, rest assured you wouldn't go wrong with a Lexus IS.
Check out our Lexus IS review and see what used and new offerings are available here.
4. Alfa Romeo Giulia
After the discontinuation of the 159, Alfa Romeo brought about the Giulia. The Italian firm decided with the Giulia to be a saloon with a front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. All the drawing board time paid off as the Giulia was hit, and interestingly, in South Africa, the vehicle featured in the 2020 Kinsey Report and had the most affordable vehicle maintenance parts basket in the Auto Executive Saloon category.
Check out our Alfa Romeo Giulia reviews, and what used and new offerings are available here.
5. Subaru WRX
While not a luxury mid-size sedan, the pricing of the entry-level 3-Series being, the 318i, was very similar to the Subaru WRX. The WRX is a formidable sedan with a proven rally pedigree and some luxury elements. This is probably the quirkiest vehicle on this list, but it does add something different.
Check out our Subaru WRX reviews, and here are some used and new offerings here.
The following few cars on this list are no longer for sale brand new in South Africa but there are few good used examples available.
6. Volvo S60
The S60 is an underrated alternative in the premium mid-size sedan area. The S60 is no longer sold in South Africa but continues on in other markets. However, the second generation had an 8-year lifecycle and even featured the spicier Polestar sports model in its signature blue body colour to boot.
You can check out what used offerings are available here.
7. Volkswagen Passat
You can not forget the Volkswagen Passat and the nameplate, which has been around since the 1970s. It's a shame this vehicle is no longer sold in South Africa, but the B8, the last generation available, had a wide selection of powertrain configurations, not forgetting the venerable Volkswagen TDI turbodiesel engines. Volkswagen was onto something with the Passat, and the new generation sold overseas is quite the looker.
Here's our B8 Passat review, and you can check out some used offerings here.
8. Jaguar XE
Jaguar is often considered a distinguished older gentleman's car, but current generation Jaguar models have a widespread appeal. Much like the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the XE was a cracker of a luxury saloon.
Here are our Jaguar XE reviews and here are some used examples.
