2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

$63,400 · Sedan

$50,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 3 captivates with its sheer, turbocharged intensity, bringing a ferocious 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque channeled through its unique all-wheel-drive system and lightning-fast 7-speed automated manual transmission. In stark contrast, the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers sophisticated style and efficiency, boasting a more sensible 255 hp and impressive 30 MPG combined, leveraging its 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive dynamics. The performance gap is massive, illustrated by the RS 3's 139 hp advantage over the BMW. Furthermore, the RS 3 demands a significant premium, starting at $63,400 compared to the 4 Series' $50,600 MSRP. While the Audi excels in raw power delivery, the BMW counters with superior utility, offering 16.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the RS 3's meager 8.3 cu ft, making efficiency and practicality key deciding factors.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuting due to its significantly better 30 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Audi's 23 MPG combined rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers nearly double the utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The 2025 Audi RS 3 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering a thrilling 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque versus the BMW's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe provides superior overall value by costing $12,800 less while offering substantially better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You crave explosive acceleration provided by the 394 hp five-cylinder engine.
You demand the precision and immediate shifts of the 7-speed automated manual transmission.
You prefer the added grip and stability of Audi's standard all-wheel drive system.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

Saving money is a priority, as the starting MSRP is $12,800 lower at $50,600.
You prioritize efficiency, achieving 35 MPG on the highway versus the RS 3's 30 MPG highway rating.
You need practical space, benefiting from the 16.6 cu ft of available cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Length	178.5"	188.5"
Width	72.9"	72.9"
Height	54.8"	56.8"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.4"

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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-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	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	421.2/546.0 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	—
Stereo Power	680W	205W
Speaker System	15	10
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	38.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	34.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	54.3 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	—
Tire Size	✓	245/45R H
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 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 RS 3 and 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

What is the biggest performance difference between the 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?

The performance gulf is massive; the Audi RS 3 produces 394 horsepower, which is 139 more than the BMW's 255 horsepower. This power difference, combined with the RS 3's performance-oriented transmission, dictates a far more visceral driving experience.

How significant is the fuel economy trade-off when choosing the RS 3?

The fuel economy trade-off is substantial. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe achieves a combined 30 MPG, while the high-strung Audi RS 3 only manages 23 MPG combined, meaning more frequent stops at the premium unleaded pump.

Is the Audi RS 3 significantly smaller than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?

Yes, the Audi is physically smaller, measuring 178.5 inches long compared to the BMW's 188.5 inches. This shorter length contributes to the RS 3's tighter cargo area of only 8.3 cu ft.

Which car is a better value considering the $12,800 price gap?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe represents better outright value, starting at $50,600 versus the RS 3's $63,400 MSRP. This price difference allows buyers to accept less power in exchange for better efficiency and utility.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, both vehicles mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures. However, the 4 Series' superior efficiency means the running costs associated with that fuel will be lower.

What are the core differences in drivetrain layout?

The RS 3 utilizes a sophisticated all-wheel drive system coupled with a 7-speed automated manual transmission for maximum traction and quick shifts. Conversely, the 4 Series relies on a traditional rear-wheel drive setup paired with a smooth 8-speed shiftable automatic.