DecodedCarsBMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The BMW 3 Series is more fuel-efficient: 31 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,100 a year less in fuel for the BMW 3 Series (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 3 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 39).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,494 lb (3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 8% worse than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
Buying used? The 2024 3 Series and the 2024 AMG GT have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 AMG GT.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW 3 Series if…
- You want lower fuel bills (31 vs 22 MPG)
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 39 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT if…
It doesn't clearly beat the BMW 3 Series on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW 3 Series
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 BMW 3 Series specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →