2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 BMW 3 Series
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A4 storms onto the scene with a potent 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, making it the more spirited choice for immediate acceleration. Conversely, the 2025 BMW 3 Series captivates with superior efficiency, boasting an outstanding 31 MPG combined rating versus the Audi’s 26 MPG combined. The BMW, priced slightly higher at $45,950 compared to the A4's $44,100, compensates partially with a cavernous 16.9 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the A4’s 12 cu ft. While the Audi offers standard all-wheel drive paired with a 7-speed automated manual, the BMW leans into RWD dynamics with an 8-speed automatic. Both premium sedans demand premium unleaded fuel, but the power delivery and practical utility present a compelling dynamic choice between these German rivals.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 3 Series
The 2025 BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series offers substantially more utility for families with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi A4's 12 cu ft.
2025 Audi A4
The 2025 Audi A4 earns the edge for enthusiasts by delivering a higher 261 hp and standard all-wheel drive traction.
2025 Audi A4
The Audi A4 provides more standard power (261 hp vs 255 hp) for a lower starting MSRP of $44,100.
Choose the Audi A4 if...
- You prioritize maximum power density, as the A4 delivers 261 hp standard.
- You require the enhanced traction and stability of standard all-wheel drive.
- You want the lowest initial purchase price in this premium segment, starting at $44,100.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- You drive long distances and value efficiency, benefiting from 35 Highway MPG.
- You need maximum trunk space, as the 3 Series provides 16.9 cu ft for gear.
- You prefer the traditional engagement of a Rear Wheel Drive layout with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 185.9" |
| Width | 72.7" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 56.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/489.6 mi. | 436.8/546.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 15.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 205W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 245/40R H | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 and 2025 BMW 3 Series.
Which car is more powerful: the 2025 Audi A4 or the 2025 BMW 3 Series?
The 2025 Audi A4 holds the horsepower advantage, producing 261 hp from its powertrain compared to the BMW 3 Series' 255 hp. However, the BMW counters with higher torque figures at 295 lb-ft versus the Audi's 273 lb-ft.
How significant is the difference in fuel efficiency between these two sedans?
The difference is notable for high-mileage drivers; the BMW 3 Series achieves a 31 MPG combined rating, which is 5 MPG better than the Audi A4's 26 MPG combined figure.
Does the Audi A4 come standard with AWD, and what about the BMW 3 Series?
Yes, the 2025 Audi A4 is listed with all-wheel drive. In contrast, the specified 2025 BMW 3 Series utilizes a rear-wheel drive setup.
If I frequently carry luggage, which sedan offers more storage?
The 2025 BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for cargo utility, offering 16.9 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Audi A4 provides substantially less capacity at 12 cu ft.
Is there a significant price gap between the base models?
Yes, the Audi A4 has a slightly more accessible entry point, starting at an MSRP of $44,100, while the BMW 3 Series begins at $45,950.
What types of transmissions do these two vehicles use?
The Audi A4 is equipped with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, giving it a distinct feel. The BMW 3 Series utilizes a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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