2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 BMW 5 Series

$63,400 · Sedan

$58,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 3 captivates with its visceral, turbocharged 394 hp five-cylinder engine and blistering performance credentials, wrapped in a compact, agile chassis ready for track day heroics. Conversely, the larger 2025 BMW 5 Series, starting at a more accessible $58,700, appeals to the sophisticated driver seeking refined cruising, boasting an impressive 31 MPG combined, significantly eclipsing the RS 3's 23 MPG. This comparison pits raw excitement against mature utility; the RS 3 offers 369 lb-ft of torque for immediate punch, while the 5 Series provides 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly doubling the Audi's meager 8.3 cu ft. Despite the $4,700 price gap favoring the BMW, the RS 3 commands its higher $63,400 MSRP by delivering 139 more horsepower, cementing this as a choice between adrenaline and efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The 2025 BMW 5 Series is the superior commuter due to its significantly better combined MPG rating of 31 versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series offers nearly double the storage space with 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The RS 3 provides a staggering 139 more horsepower and 74 more lb-ft of torque, promising a vastly more engaging driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 5 Series

For $4,700 less than the RS 3, the BMW 5 Series delivers far superior fuel economy and practicality.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize absolute engine performance, leveraging the 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the compact dimensions (178.5 inches long) and responsive handling of a smaller sedan.
You require the specialized grip and traction provided by its all-wheel drive system.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

You require substantial cargo space, benefiting from the 18.4 cu ft trunk.
Minimizing trips to the pump is crucial, given the 8 MPG combined efficiency advantage (31 MPG vs. 23 MPG).
You desire a lower initial purchase price, saving $4,700 at the starting MSRP of $58,700.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW 5 Series
Length	178.5"	199.2"
Width	72.9"	74.8"
Height	54.8"	59.6"
Wheelbase	103.6"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	394 hp	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	20	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	445.2/556.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	680W	205W
Speaker System	15	12
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	✓	245/45R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 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 RS 3 and 2025 BMW 5 Series.

How significant is the performance gap between the Audi RS 3 and the BMW 5 Series?

The gap is dramatic; the RS 3 produces 394 hp, a full 139 hp more than the 5 Series' 255 hp. This directly translates into superior acceleration potential for the smaller Audi, making it the clear choice for driving enthusiasts.

Is the BMW 5 Series much more practical for daily driving tasks?

Yes, the 5 Series is substantially more practical, featuring 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is significantly larger than the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft. Furthermore, its superior fuel economy of 31 MPG combined reduces running costs compared to the RS 3's 23 MPG.

What is the primary reason the Audi RS 3 costs $4,700 more than the 5 Series?

The price difference is justified by the RS 3's highly specialized, performance-oriented powertrain, including its powerful 394 hp engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, features absent in the base configuration of the 5 Series.

Which car offers a better long-distance highway cruising experience?

The 5 Series is likely better suited for long highway trips, boasting better fuel economy (35 MPG highway) and a larger body (199.2 inches long) which typically lends itself to a more settled ride than the compact RS 3.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2025 BMW 5 Series specify that they require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance and engine health.

How do the transmissions compare between the two models?

The RS 3 uses a faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission designed for performance driving engagements. In contrast, the 5 Series features a conventional, smoother-shifting 8-speed shiftable automatic, better suited for commuting comfort.