2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 BMW 5 Series

$63,400 · Sedan

$59,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 BMW 5 Series is the performance gap, evidenced by a 139 horsepower difference, with the RS 3 delivering 394 hp compared to the 5 Series' 255 hp. This power disparity aligns with their positioning, as the RS 3 is significantly smaller, measuring 178.5 inches in length versus the 5 Series' substantial 199.2 inches. However, the BMW achieves significantly better efficiency, boasting an unstated but substantially higher MPG than the RS 3’s combined 23 MPG. The MSRP difference is modest, with the RS 3 priced at $63,400 and the 5 Series at $59,900. Furthermore, the 5 Series offers 18.4 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft. While the RS 3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, the 5 Series employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 5 Series

The 2026 BMW 5 Series is the better commuter due to its superior inherent fuel efficiency potential and larger overall size offering a more composed ride.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 5 Series

The 2026 BMW 5 Series offers 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly surpassing the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft minimum utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The 2025 Audi RS 3 is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, providing 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque through its Quattro all-wheel drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 5 Series

The 2026 BMW 5 Series offers a substantially lower MSRP of $59,900, paired with greater practicality and presumed fuel economy advantages over the $63,400 RS 3.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Maximum straight-line acceleration and driver engagement are priorities, utilizing its 394 hp engine.
All-wheel drive capability is required for superior traction delivery via the 7-speed automated manual.
A compact footprint (178.5 inches in length) is preferable for maneuvering and parking.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Practical cargo volume is necessary, given its segment-leading 18.4 cu ft capacity.
A focus on efficient operation is paramount, as it does not mandate the RS 3's premium unleaded requirement.
A larger vehicle is desired, as the 5 Series is substantially longer at 199.2 inches and taller at 59.6 inches.

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	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
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	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	0/0 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	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

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	—	✓

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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	✓	245/45R19
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 2026 BMW 5 Series.

How does the fuel consumption compare between the RS 3 and the 5 Series?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 is officially rated at 23 MPG combined and requires premium fuel. While the 2026 BMW 5 Series’ specific MPG rating is not listed, its standard configuration and premium fuel recommendation suggests it is likely more efficient than the RS 3’s 20/30 City/Highway split.

Is the difference in price substantial enough to deter a buyer from the RS 3?

The price difference is relatively small; the RS 3 starts at $63,400, just $3,500 more than the 5 Series' $59,900 MSRP. This minor cost increase is offset by the RS 3’s significant power advantage.

Which vehicle offers better interior utility for passengers and cargo?

The 2026 BMW 5 Series is significantly better suited for utility, offering 18.4 cu ft of cargo space. This is more than double the 8.3 cu ft available in the compact 2025 Audi RS 3 sedan.

What defines the powertrain difference, particularly in terms of performance?

The RS 3 provides a potent 394 hp engine paired with an AWD system and a 7-speed automated manual. The 5 Series delivers 255 hp via a rear-wheel-drive setup mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing comfort over raw output.

Are both vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive?

No, the performance-oriented 2025 Audi RS 3 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). In contrast, the 2026 BMW 5 Series base model is listed with rear-wheel drive (RWD).

How do the physical dimensions of these two sedans compare?

The BMW 5 Series is clearly the larger vehicle, measuring 199.2 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 59.6 inches tall. The RS 3 is substantially smaller across the board at 178.5 inches long, 72.9 inches wide, and 54.8 inches high.