2025 Audi A7 vs 2026 BMW M3
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A7 dazzles with its sleek, sweeping coupe-like silhouette and everyday usability, boasting an efficient 25 MPG combined rating from its 335 hp engine. It stands ready for comfortable, all-weather driving thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive and a generous 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space. In sharp contrast, the 2026 BMW M3 screams performance lineage, unleashing a ferocious 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque through its purely engaging Rear-Wheel Drive and mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. This power surge comes at the cost of efficiency, netting only 19 MPG combined, and it demands a $6,400 premium over the A7, costing $78,400 versus the Audi’s $72,000. While the A7 provides refined, slightly larger dimensions (195.6 inches long), the M3 focuses its 189.1-inch frame entirely on razor-sharp dynamics and a spine-tingling connection to the road.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A7
The Audi A7 wins commuter duties with a significantly better fuel economy rating of 25 MPG combined compared to the M3's 19 MPG.
2025 Audi A7
The A7 offers substantially more utility, providing 24.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the M3's 16.9 cubic feet.
2026 BMW M3
The BMW M3 is engineered for excitement, delivering 138 more horsepower (473 hp vs 335 hp) and a visceral manual transmission experience.
2025 Audi A7
The Audi A7 provides excellent luxury and efficiency for $6,400 less than the comparable M3 offering.
Choose the Audi A7 if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, benefiting from the A7's 25 MPG combined rating.
- You require substantial hauling capability, as the A7 offers 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer the security and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions.
Choose the BMW M3 if...
- You demand maximum output, as the M3 unleashes a potent 473 hp.
- You insist on the ultimate driver involvement provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
- You enjoy aggressive handling characteristics associated with a dedicated Rear-Wheel Drive sports sedan.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A7 | BMW M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 189.1" |
| Width | 75.1" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.0" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 115.2" | 112.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 6100 rpm | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| 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 | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 16/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 424.6/579.0 mi. | 249.6/358.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 15.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 16 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 14.9 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.2 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.1 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 255/40R20 | 285/35R Z |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 10.5 in |
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 A7 and 2026 BMW M3.
How significant is the performance gap between the A7 and the M3?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 BMW M3 produces 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the 2025 Audi A7's 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This 138 hp advantage signals a much more aggressive acceleration profile for the M3.
Is the Audi A7 significantly more efficient for daily driving than the M3?
Yes, the A7 holds a major advantage in efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG, which is 6 MPG better than the M3’s combined 19 MPG. The A7’s slightly higher highway rating of 30 MPG also helps keep fuel costs down.
Which vehicle offers better practicality for hauling luggage or groceries?
The 2025 Audi A7 is clearly superior for utility, boasting a generous 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The M3 trails significantly with only 16.9 cubic feet available for storage.
What is the primary mechanical difference impacting the driving experience?
The M3 utilizes a pure Rear-Wheel Drive setup paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, focusing on enthusiast dynamics. Conversely, the A7 employs All-Wheel Drive and a smooth 7-speed automated manual for better all-weather versatility.
How does the MSRP compare between the two luxury sedans?
The 2026 BMW M3 carries a higher starting price tag of $78,400, placing it $6,400 above the Audi A7's $72,000 MSRP.
Are the exterior dimensions drastically different between the two models?
The Audi A7 is the longer vehicle, measuring 195.6 inches in length compared to the M3's 189.1 inches. However, the A7 is slightly lower at 56.0 inches height versus the M3's 56.6 inches.
More Premium Sedans ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool