Compare the2025 BMW 3 Series SedanVS 2025 Cadillac CT5

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The 3 Series Sedan’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CT5 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The 3 Series Sedan has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CT5 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CT5 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the CT5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all-wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW 3 Series Sedan is safer than the Cadillac CT5:

	3 Series Sedan	CT5
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	145	155
Neck Injury Risk	23%	24%
Neck Stress	207 lbs.	217 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	201/230 lbs.	408/341 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	252	340
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Compression	74 lbs.	79 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW 3 Series Sedan is safer than the Cadillac CT5:

	3 Series Sedan	CT5
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	107	129
Chest Movement	.8 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	179 lbs.	209 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	57 G’s
Hip Force	532 lbs.	573 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	20 inches
Hip Force	544 lbs.	558 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The 3 Series Sedan’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the CT5’s (12/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 3 Series Sedan for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Cadillac only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the CT5.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 3 Series Sedan’s reliability 14 points higher than the CT5.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 3 Series Sedan third among compact premium cars in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The CT5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Cadillac vehicles. With 8 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Cadillac.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac With 6 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks BMW higher than Cadillac.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 7 places higher in reliability than Cadillac.

Engine

The 330i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 18 more horsepower (255 vs. 237) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 258) than the CT5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The M340i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 51 more horsepower (386 vs. 335) than the CT5’s optional 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the 330i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Cadillac CT5 turbo 4 cyl.:

	3 Series Sedan	CT5
Zero to 60 MPH	5.4 sec	7.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14 sec	15.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98.1 MPH	91.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 3 Series Sedan gets better mileage than the CT5:

			MPG
3 Series Sedan
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	28 city/35 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	26 city/34 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	26 city/33 hwy
CT5
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/32 hwy
		3.0 turbo V6	19 city/28 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/30 hwy
		3.0 turbo V6	18 city/26 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the 3 Series Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CT5 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the BMW 3 Series Sedan uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The CT5 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the CT5. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 3 Series Sedan higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Cadillac CT5 (4 to 6). This means the 3 Series Sedan produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CT5 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The 3 Series Sedan’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CT5 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 3 Series Sedan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CT5:

	330i	M340i	CT5	CT5 Sport
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12.6 inches	13.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the CT5 are solid, not vented.

The 3 Series Sedan stops much shorter than the CT5:

	3 Series Sedan	CT5
70 to 0 MPH	151 feet	169 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	114 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	135 feet	137 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the CT5; it requires you to depend on its optional run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The CT5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 330i handles at .99 G’s, while the CT5 Premium Luxury pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The M340i executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the CT5 Sport (25 seconds @ .77 average G’s vs. 26.2 seconds @ .68 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the 3 Series RWD’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the CT5’s (37.4 feet vs. 39 feet). The 3 Series xDrive’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the CT5 AWD’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

Chassis

The 3 Series Sedan is 7.9 inches shorter than the CT5, making the 3 Series Sedan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The front step up height for the 3 Series Sedan is .1 inches lower than the CT5 (16.5” vs. 16.6”). The 3 Series Sedan’s rear step up height is 1.4 inches lower than the CT5’s (16.3” vs. 17.7”).

Cargo Capacity

The 3 Series Sedan has a much larger trunk than the CT5 (16.9 vs. 11.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 3 Series Sedan easier. The 3 Series Sedan’s trunk lift-over height is 26.7 inches, while the CT5’s liftover is 27.8 inches.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the 3 Series Sedan’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CT5 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 3 Series offers cargo security. The CT5’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the 3 Series Sedan offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The CT5 doesn’t offer a power trunk, so its trunk has to be closed manually.

Ergonomics

The BMW 3 Series Sedan has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the CT5.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the CT5 have standard heated front seats. The 3 Series Sedan also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CT5.

Economic Advantages

The 3 Series Sedan will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 3 Series Sedan will retain 51.33% to 52.95% of its original price after five years, while the CT5 only retains 49.33% to 50.43%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW 3 Series Sedan and the Cadillac CT5, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 3 Series Sedan third among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CT5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The BMW 3 Series outsold the Cadillac CT5 by 83% during 2023.

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