2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe often comes down to whether you prioritize raw performance thrills or superior everyday efficiency and space. If acceleration matters most, the S3 packs a significant punch with 328 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp, even though both share an identical 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the Bimmer pulls ahead in practicality: its 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity nearly doubles the S3’s tiny 8.3 cu ft, making it far more usable for trips. Fuel economy is another major split; the 4 Series boasts a combined 30 MPG, beating the S3’s 26 MPG. While the S3's MSRP starts slightly lower at $48,700 versus the BMW's $49,650, the efficiency gains of the 4 Series might offset that initial $950 difference over time, particularly for heavy drivers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Audi S3's 26 combined MPG.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers significantly more utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the pick for enthusiasts, delivering 328 horsepower, a substantial 73 hp advantage over the BMW.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Despite a slightly higher $49,650 MSRP, the 4 Series Gran Coupe provides nearly double the cargo space and 4 better MPG, offering better utility value.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You crave maximum acceleration, benefiting from the Audi S3's segment-leading 328 horsepower.
- You prefer the compact footprint of the S3, measuring 177.4 inches in length.
- You value the assured traction of standard All-Wheel Drive performance.
Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...
- You frequently carry luggage or gear, utilizing the impressive 16.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to spend less time at the pump, leveraging the 4 Series' 31 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over the S3's 7-speed automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 188.5" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 112.4" |
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 Multi-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 | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| 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 Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
| 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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 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 Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 245/45R H |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 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 S3 and 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Is the 2025 Audi S3 significantly faster than the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?
Yes, the Audi S3 is notably quicker, boasting 328 horsepower compared to the BMW's 255 horsepower, a difference of 73 hp. While both cars offer an equal 295 lb-ft of torque, the power advantage means the S3 pulls harder at higher RPMs.
How does the cargo capacity compare for road trips?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the clear winner for cargo, offering 16.6 cubic feet. The Audi S3 is severely limited with only 8.3 cubic feet, making the BMW much more practical for carrying luggage for four adults.
Which car will save me more money on fuel costs?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Audi S3's 26 combined MPG. Since both require premium fuel, the BMW's 4 MPG advantage will result in fewer trips to the pump.
Are the drivetrains substantially different between these two luxury sedans?
They are quite different: the Audi S3 uses an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the BMW utilizes Rear Wheel Drive paired with a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
What is the price difference, and is the higher-priced car worth it?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has an MSRP of $49,650, making it $950 more expensive than the Audi S3's $48,700 starting price. Whether it is worth it depends on prioritizing space and efficiency (BMW) over outright power (Audi).
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