TLX vs 3 Series
Two brands, one target. The TLX from Acura and the 3 Series from BMW compete head to head for compact luxury car shoppers. The 3 Series wins more of the areas that we compared (1 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range 3 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance6.7
- Fuel Economy & Range9.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 3 Series has better fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the 3 Series makes its strongest case: 31 mpg against 25 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The TLX has 17 hp more power
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 272 hp for the TLX, 255 hp for the 3 Series. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 3 Series has better city fuel economy
The 3 Series clearly leads on fuel economy (city), and 28 mpg versus 22 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 3 Series has the better rating here.
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The 3 Series has 15 lb-ft more torque
On paper, the 3 Series is a touch ahead here, listing 295 lb-ft against 280 lb-ft. The 3 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The 3 Series has better highway fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the 3 Series: 35 mpg compared with 31 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The TLX leans on 17 hp more power in this section, while the 3 Series leans on 15 lb-ft more torque. Net result on engine & performance: a genuine trade-off.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp 3 Series: 255 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft 3 Series: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
3 Series leads
The TLX has a tough time in the fuel economy & range section, where the 3 Series pulls well ahead. The 3 Series has the edge with better fuel economy. The 3 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. If this section decides it for you, choose the 3 Series.
Fuel economy (combined)
TLX: 25 mpg 3 Series: 31 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
TLX: 22 mpg 3 Series: 28 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 3 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the TLX and the 3 Series differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | TLX | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TLX if…
- you want more power (272 hp vs 255 hp)
- you’re loyal to Acura and happy with it
Choose the 3 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 25 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 31 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the TLX or the 3 Series?
We’d point most buyers to the 3 Series. The main exception is if you value 17 hp more power above everything else.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the TLX and the 3 Series. I just have opinions about the numbers. What I like most about the 3 Series here is better fuel economy. I also like that the 3 Series brings 15 lb-ft more torque. In fairness to the TLX, 17 hp more power is a genuine strength.
If you’d rather have strength in performance, go with the TLX. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the 3 Series.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the 3 Series, unless you’d trade the rest for 17 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.