2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the sharp performance of the 2025 Audi S3 and the better efficiency and lower starting cost of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe? This comparison highlights a clear trade-off. The Audi S3 packs a serious punch with 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering 87 more horsepower than the BMW’s 241 hp output, justifying its $48,700 MSRP. However, the BMW counters with superior practicality, boasting 12 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's smaller 8.3 cu ft, and it wins on fuel economy with 30 combined MPG versus the S3’s 26 combined MPG. Both utilize all-wheel drive and premium fuel, but the $7,100 lower price point of the BMW makes it an enticing proposition for buyers prioritizing budget and mileage over raw speed.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the better commuter thanks to its 30 combined MPG, significantly better than the Audi S3's 26 combined MPG.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW offers substantially more utility for families, providing 12 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi's tight 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the enthusiast choice due to its significant performance advantage, delivering 328 hp compared to the BMW's 241 hp.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
With a $7,100 lower MSRP and better fuel economy, the BMW provides superior overall value despite having less horsepower.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize outright acceleration and handling, appreciating the 328 hp output.
- You prefer the slightly more compact footprint, measuring 177.4 inches in length.
- You need an available all-wheel drive system paired with Audi's performance tuning.
Choose the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe if...
- Saving money upfront is crucial, as it has a $7,100 lower MSRP at $41,600.
- You need usable trunk space, as its 12 cu ft capacity beats the S3’s 8.3 cu ft.
- Maximizing daily driving range is important, thanks to its superior 30 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 179.2" |
| Width | 71.5" | 70.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 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 | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 26/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.7 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 12 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
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 S3 and 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Is the Audi S3 significantly faster than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?
Yes, the Audi S3 offers a noticeable performance edge with 328 hp, which is 87 more horsepower than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s 241 hp rating. This power difference means the S3 will generally feel quicker off the line and through the mid-range, even though both have 295 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is genuinely more practical for road trips with luggage?
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the more practical choice for carrying gear. It offers 12 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is substantially more accessible than the Audi S3's limited 8.3 cu ft. This nearly 50% increase in trunk space can make a big difference when packing for a weekend away.
How much more expensive is it to run the Audi S3 day-to-day?
The Audi S3 will cost more to run due to fuel consumption; it achieves only 26 combined MPG compared to the BMW's 30 combined MPG. While both require premium unleaded fuel, the lower fuel economy of the S3 translates directly to more frequent—and expensive—trips to the pump.
What is the main reason to pay the extra money for the 2025 Audi S3?
The primary justification for the $7,100 price increase is performance—specifically, the extra 87 horsepower routed through the S3’s powertrain. If performance metrics are your top priority, the S3 delivers a more spirited driving experience that the standard 2 Series cannot match.
Do both cars offer all-wheel drive capability?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe come standard with all-wheel drive in these comparable configurations. This means both should provide excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Are the physical sizes very different between these two models?
They are very close in dimensions, but the BMW is slightly larger overall; it measures 179.2 inches long versus the Audi's 177.4 inches. The BMW is also fractionally taller at 56.9 inches compared to the Audi’s 55.7 inches.
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