2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 BMW 3 Series

$48,700 · Sedan

$47,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2026 BMW 3 Series is their fuel economy, with the BMW delivering 31 combined MPG versus the Audi's 26 combined MPG, a notable 5 MPG advantage. Power output shows a clear distinction, as the Audi S3 generates 328 hp, significantly outpacing the BMW’s 255 hp, despite both models achieving an identical 295 lb-ft of torque. Priced at $48,700, the Audi S3 carries a $1,200 premium over the BMW’s $47,500 MSRP. Cargo capacity presents another large discrepancy: the BMW offers 16.9 cu ft, nearly double the Audi’s restrictive 8.3 cu ft. The Audi utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed transmission, while the BMW sends power exclusively to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series offers superior fuel efficiency at 31 combined MPG compared to the Audi S3's 26 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series provides substantially more usable storage space with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S3

The 2025 Audi S3 produces 328 hp, yielding 73 more horsepower than the BMW 3 Series for more spirited acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is $1,200 less expensive while offering 5 MPG better efficiency and nearly double the cargo space.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

Maximum acceleration is the priority, benefiting from the Audi S3's 328 hp output.
All-wheel drive traction is required for year-round driving confidence.
A compact footprint (177.4 inches long) is preferred for urban maneuverability.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

Fuel cost savings are critical, highlighted by the 31 combined MPG rating.
Maximum utility is needed, as the BMW offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo space.
A more traditional RWD platform paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is desired.

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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	225/40R18	225/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 2026 BMW 3 Series.

What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 Audi S3 over the 2026 BMW 3 Series?

The primary performance advantage lies in peak horsepower; the Audi S3 delivers 328 hp, creating a significant 73 hp gap over the BMW 3 Series' 255 hp rating. While torque figures are identical at 295 lb-ft, the Audi's higher power output should translate to faster outright acceleration metrics.

How does the MSRP and fuel requirement compare between these two sedans?

The 2026 BMW 3 Series has a lower starting MSRP of $47,500 compared to the Audi S3's $48,700. Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel for operation, meaning running costs will factor in the 5 MPG difference in efficiency.

Is the drivetrain setup different between the Audi S3 and the BMW 3 Series?

Yes, the drivetrain philosophies diverge significantly; the Audi S3 comes standard with all-wheel drive and utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the BMW 3 Series employs a rear-wheel drive configuration mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Which sedan offers significantly better practicality for hauling items?

The 2026 BMW 3 Series is far more practical, boasting 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Audi S3 is severely limited in this regard, offering only 8.3 cu ft, which is less than half the volume of its competitor.

If my commute involves heavy stop-and-go traffic, which car saves more money on fuel annually?

The BMW 3 Series is projected to save more, offering 28 City MPG versus the Audi S3's 23 City MPG. This 5 MPG advantage in city driving means fewer trips to the premium fuel pump for the BMW owner.

How do the exterior dimensions differ between the two models?

The BMW 3 Series is physically larger overall, measuring 185.9 inches in length compared to the Audi S3's 177.4 inches. The BMW is also slightly taller (56.8 inches vs. 55.7 inches) and marginally wider (71.9 inches vs. 71.5 inches).