2025 Audi A4 vs 2026 BMW 3 Series
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2026 BMW 3 Series is fuel economy, with the BMW delivering a 5 MPG advantage in combined ratings (31 MPG vs. 26 MPG). This efficiency edge supports the BMW's higher MSRP of $47,500 compared to the Audi's $44,100. Performance metrics show a slight edge for the A4 in raw power, generating 261 horsepower versus the 3 Series' 255 horsepower, although the BMW counters with superior torque, boasting 295 lb-ft against the Audi's 273 lb-ft. Furthermore, the 3 Series offers substantially greater utility, providing 16.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A4's 12 cu ft. The drivetrain architecture also separates them, with the Audi utilizing an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual, while the BMW uses a rear-wheel-drive configuration with an 8-speed automatic transmission, impacting handling dynamics and the overall driving experience.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW 3 Series
The 2026 BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Audi A4's 26 MPG.
2026 BMW 3 Series
Families benefit significantly from the BMW 3 Series' much larger cargo capacity of 16.9 cu ft compared to the Audi A4's 12 cu ft.
2025 Audi A4
The 2025 Audi A4 appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 261 hp output and standard all-wheel drive capability.
2025 Audi A4
The Audi A4 presents better value by costing $3,400 less while still delivering competitive power figures.
Choose the Audi A4 if...
- You require the year-round security and traction provided by the standard all-wheel drive system.
- Your budget mandates saving the initial $3,400 on the purchase price.
- You prefer the responsiveness of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a conventional automatic.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You frequently carry luggage, benefiting from the class-leading 16.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prioritize the higher torque output of 295 lb-ft for acceleration feel.
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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 | 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 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 2026 BMW 3 Series.
What is the primary performance difference based on specifications?
The 2025 Audi A4 produces a higher peak horsepower figure at 261 hp, but the 2026 BMW 3 Series compensates with 295 lb-ft of torque, 22 lb-ft more than the Audi's 273 lb-ft.
How does the drivetrain configuration affect these sedans?
The Audi A4 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automated manual, while the BMW 3 Series features rear-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which vehicle offers better overall running costs?
The BMW 3 Series is projected to have lower running costs related to fuel due to its 31 combined MPG, which significantly surpasses the Audi A4's 26 combined MPG rating.
Is the Audi A4 or the BMW 3 Series larger?
While the Audi A4 is 1.6 inches longer at 187.5 inches, the BMW 3 Series offers substantially more utility space, featuring 16.9 cu ft of cargo volume versus the A4's 12 cu ft.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2026 BMW 3 Series has an MSRP of $47,500, making it $3,400 more expensive than the 2025 Audi A4, which starts at $44,100.
Are the fuel requirements different for these premium sedans?
No, both the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2026 BMW 3 Series specify that they require premium unleaded fuel for operation.
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