2025 Audi A5 vs 2025 BMW 3 Series
Comparison Overview
The most significant metric separating the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2025 BMW 3 Series is fuel economy, where the BMW achieves a 5 MPG advantage with a combined 31 MPG compared to the Audi’s 26 MPG. Performance remains closely contested; the A5 offers slightly more horsepower at 261 hp versus the 3 Series' 255 hp, but the BMW counters with superior torque, producing 295 lb-ft against Audi's 273 lb-ft. Price is also a factor, with the BMW starting $2,450 lower at $45,950 compared to the Audi's $48,400 MSRP. The Audi compensates slightly in utility, boasting 21.8 cu ft of cargo space (21.8 vs 16.9 cu ft) due to its hatchback design, while the BMW prioritizes driving dynamics with its standard Rear Wheel Drive setup versus the Audi's All Wheel Drive. Transmission differences include the Audi’s 7-speed automated manual versus the BMW’s 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 3 Series
The 2025 BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its superior 31 combined MPG rating compared to the Audi A5's 26 MPG.
2025 Audi A5
The 2025 Audi A5 is better for families because its hatchback body offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the 3 Series' 16.9 cu ft.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The 2025 BMW 3 Series appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 295 lb-ft of torque and standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The 2025 BMW 3 Series offers better immediate value, starting at an MSRP of $45,950 versus the Audi A5's $48,400.
Choose the Audi A5 if...
- You require the practicality of All Wheel Drive standard on your vehicle.
- You prioritize maximum storage, leveraging the 21.8 cu ft cargo capacity of the hatchback body style.
- You prefer the marginally higher horsepower output of 261 hp.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- Optimizing fuel consumption is critical, given its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You value superior low-end pulling power, evidenced by 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You are looking for the lower entry price point, starting at $45,950.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A5 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 185.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.9" |
| Height | 54.6" | 56.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| 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 (recommended) | 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| 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 Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 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 | 37.0 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | 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 A5 and 2025 BMW 3 Series.
Which vehicle uses a more engaging transmission type?
The 2025 Audi A5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, which some drivers find offers quicker shifts, whereas the 2025 BMW 3 Series features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How do the physical dimensions affect usability?
The Audi A5 is slightly longer at 187.2 inches and noticeably lower at 54.6 inches, lending it a sportier stance, while the BMW 3 Series is marginally taller at 56.8 inches, possibly aiding ingress/egress.
Is one vehicle significantly less expensive to purchase?
Yes, the BMW 3 Series carries a $45,950 MSRP, positioning it $2,450 cheaper than the Audi A5's starting price of $48,400.
Which car requires premium fuel, and does it affect operating costs?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel; however, the Audi recommends it while the BMW requires it, but the BMW's superior 31 combined MPG will likely offset some of the premium fuel cost difference against the Audi's 26 combined MPG.
What is the difference in mandated drivetrain configuration?
The Audi A5 comes standard with All Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in various conditions, while the 2025 BMW 3 Series adheres to its traditional roots with a standard Rear Wheel Drive layout.
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