2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2026 BMW M3

$79,900 · Hatchback

$78,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2026 BMW M3 often boils down to prioritizing drivetrain feel versus everyday practicality. If raw engagement is your goal, the M3 offers a potent 473 hp paired with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists. However, the RS 5 counters with practical advantages, boasting a 21.8 cu ft cargo capacity—significantly more than the M3's 16.9 cu ft—and standard all-wheel drive for better foul-weather confidence. While the Audi's 20 MPG combined trails the M3's 19 MPG combined slightly, the RS 5’s hatchback layout makes loading bulkier items much easier. Priced closely at $79,900 (RS 5) versus $78,400 (M3), the decision hinges on whether the M3's RWD stick-shift charm justifies sacrificing nearly 5 cubic feet of cargo space and the ease of AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 offers superior efficiency with 20 MPG combined and standard AWD, making daily driving more predictable and slightly cheaper on fuel than the M3's 19 MPG combined RWD setup.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 5

The RS 5 is the clear winner for families due to its spacious 21.8 cu ft hatchback cargo area, easily accommodating strollers or larger grocery hauls compared to the M3's 16.9 cu ft sedan trunk.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M3

Enthusiasts seeking peak mechanical interaction will favor the 2026 BMW M3 for its 6-speed manual transmission, contrasting with the RS 5's automatic gearbox.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi RS 5

Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $79,900 versus $78,400, the RS 5 provides better utility via its larger cargo space and standard AWD, enhancing its overall usability value.

Choose the Audi RS 5 if...

You need the versatility of a hatchback, providing 21.8 cu ft of cargo space for daily errands.
You live in an area requiring frequent all-weather capability, benefiting from the standard all-wheel drive.
You prefer the smoothness of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a manual gearbox.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

You demand the maximum driver involvement provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
You want the highest output engine, achieving 473 hp compared to the RS 5's 444 hp.
You prioritize the traditional handling characteristics associated with rear-wheel drive layouts.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 5	BMW M3
Length	188.3"	189.1"
Width	73.5"	74.3"
Height	55.1"	56.6"
Wheelbase	111.3"	112.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED 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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.9 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	444 hp @ 6700 rpm	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 4700 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	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	16/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	275.4/382.5 mi.	249.6/358.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	755W	464W
Speaker System	19	16
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
Subwoofer Count	—	2
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	37.8 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.0 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
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	19 x 10.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	265/35R19	285/35R Z
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 5 and 2026 BMW M3.

Which car is quicker in acceleration based on their published specs?

We don't have official 0-60 mph times, but comparing power figures, the BMW M3 produces slightly more peak horsepower at 473 hp versus the Audi RS 5's 444 hp. However, the RS 5's higher torque (442 lb-ft) and standard AWD might result in quicker initial launch times.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the Audi RS 5 and BMW M3?

The Audi RS 5 is marginally more fuel-efficient, achieving 20 MPG combined (18 city/25 highway), while the BMW M3 manages 19 MPG combined (16 city/23 highway). Both require premium unleaded fuel.

Is the BMW M3’s cargo space significantly smaller than the Audi RS 5’s?

Yes, there is a noticeable difference: the Audi RS 5 hatchback offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity. Conversely, the BMW M3 sedan provides only 16.9 cu ft, making the Audi much better suited for trips needing more luggage space.

Why does the Audi RS 5 feel less involving than the BMW M3?

The primary mechanical difference affecting involvement is the transmission; the M3 comes standard with a 6-speed manual, whereas the RS 5 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic. Additionally, the M3 is rear-wheel drive, which many enthusiasts prefer over the RS 5's all-wheel drive system.

How do the overall dimensions compare between the two performance cars?

The vehicles are very similar in footprint, with the M3 being slightly longer (189.1 inches vs. 188.3 inches) and wider (74.3 inches vs. 73.5 inches). The M3 also sits taller at 56.6 inches compared to the RS 5's 55.1 inches.