2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 BMW 3 Series
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 BMW 3 Series often boils down to whether raw performance or overall efficiency and space matter more to you. The Audi S3 packs a serious punch with 328 hp, significantly outpacing the BMW's 255 hp, making it the speedier choice right off the line, despite its smaller footprint (177.4 inches long). However, the price of that power is evident at the pump: the S3 returns only 26 MPG combined, whereas the RWD BMW 3 Series stretches to 31 MPG combined. Furthermore, practicality leans heavily toward the BMW, which offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 16.9 cu ft compared to the Audi's meager 8.3 cu ft. While the S3 feels tight and sporty, the longer, slightly wider BMW provides more everyday usability for less initial cost, starting at $45,950 versus the S3's $48,700 MSRP.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the S3's 26 MPG.
2025 BMW 3 Series
Families will strongly prefer the BMW 3 Series because it provides significantly more usable space with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
Enthusiasts seeking acceleration will favor the Audi S3 because its 328 hp output drastically exceeds the BMW's 255 hp.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series offers better overall value starting at a lower MSRP of $45,950 and achieving better efficiency.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize maximum acceleration and output, benefiting from the S3's 328 hp.
- You prefer the agility suggested by the S3's slightly shorter overall length of 177.4 inches.
- You want the security and traction inherent to an all-wheel drive system.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- Saving money on fuel is critical, as the 3 Series delivers 31 MPG combined.
- You need substantial cargo room, as 16.9 cu ft easily beats the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
- You prefer a traditional automatic experience with an 8-speed transmission over an automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 185.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 71.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 112.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 436.8/546.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 205W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| 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 | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.0 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 | Power |
| 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 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. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 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 S3 and 2025 BMW 3 Series.
How much more powerful is the Audi S3 compared to the BMW 3 Series?
The 2025 Audi S3 is notably more powerful, producing 328 hp, which is 73 hp more than the 2025 BMW 3 Series' 255 hp.
Is the BMW 3 Series significantly better on gas than the S3?
Yes, the BMW 3 Series provides better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the Audi S3's 26 MPG combined rating.
Which car offers more usable space for luggage or groceries?
The BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for utility, offering 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly double the S3’s 8.3 cubic feet.
Which car has a higher starting price?
The 2025 Audi S3 carries a higher starting MSRP of $48,700, while the 2025 BMW 3 Series is priced lower at $45,950.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 BMW 3 Series specify premium unleaded fuel as a requirement for operation.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain setup?
The Audi S3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the base BMW 3 Series utilizes a traditional rear-wheel drive configuration.
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