2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 BMW M4

$63,400 · Sedan

$79,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the agile 2025 Audi RS 3 sedan and the powerful 2025 BMW M4 coupe presents a classic dilemma: practical speed versus outright performance muscle. The most immediate hurdle is the $16,300 difference in starting MSRP, with the RS 3 costing significantly less at $63,400 compared to the M4's $79,700. While the M4 boasts superior power with 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, the RS 3 keeps running costs slightly lower, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the M4's 19 MPG combined. Furthermore, the RS 3 is notably more compact at 178.5 inches long, aiding city maneuverability, whereas the M4 offers nearly double the trunk space at 12 cu ft versus the RS 3’s meager 8.3 cu ft. If daily driving efficiency and manageable size matter, the Audi leads, but the M4 clearly favors raw speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS 3

The 2025 Audi RS 3 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 23 MPG combined and smaller footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M4

The 2025 BMW M4 is slightly better for families despite being a coupe, offering 12 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4

The 2025 BMW M4 is the enthusiast choice, delivering higher output with 473 hp and standard RWD paired with a manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi RS 3

The 2025 Audi RS 3 provides excellent performance metrics while costing $16,300 less than the M4.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize better gas mileage, returning 30 MPG highway compared to the M4's 23 MPG highway.
Your budget is under $65,000, as the RS 3 starts at $63,400.
You prefer the security and handling predictability of an AWD system for varied weather.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You absolutely require more power, as the M4 delivers an extra 79 horsepower (473 hp total).
You prefer the tactile engagement of a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
You need usable space, as the M4's 12 cu ft of cargo capacity is significantly more than the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW M4
Length	178.5"	189.1"
Width	72.9"	74.3"
Height	54.8"	54.8"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.5"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	394 hp	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm
Number of Valves	20	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	16/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	249.6/358.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
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	464W
Speaker System	15	16
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	35.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	51.0 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	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	✓	285/35R Z
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 RS 3 and 2025 BMW M4.

How much more power does the BMW M4 have over the Audi RS 3?

The 2025 BMW M4 holds a significant power advantage, generating 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more than the 2025 Audi RS 3, which produces 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 79 hp gap.

Is the BMW M4 much thirstier than the Audi RS 3 for daily driving?

Yes, the M4 consumes more fuel; it is rated at 19 MPG combined, whereas the smaller RS 3 achieves 23 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference in efficiency means more frequent, costly fill-ups for M4 owners using premium fuel.

Which car is easier to park in tight city spots?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 is the easier vehicle to manage in dense areas, measuring 178.5 inches in length. The 2025 BMW M4 is considerably longer at 189.1 inches, making its length a notable factor when navigating or parking.

Does the Audi RS 3 use a manual transmission?

No, the 2025 Audi RS 3 comes exclusively equipped with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. If you want a traditional manual, the 2025 BMW M4 offers a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment.

What is the financial difference between these two performance sedans/coupes?

There is a substantial $16,300 price discrepancy between the two models at entry level. The Audi RS 3 starts at $63,400, while the BMW M4 commands a higher MSRP of $79,700.

Which car offers better standard cargo space?

The 2025 BMW M4 coupe provides substantially more room for luggage or groceries, offering 12 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Audi RS 3 sedan is more constrained, providing only 8.3 cu ft for storage.