2025 Audi S4 vs 2025 BMW M3

$54,900 · Sedan

$76,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S4 and the 2025 BMW M3 is the $21,800 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), positioning the M3 at $76,700 compared to the S4's $54,900. Power output is equally disparate, with the M3 boasting 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the S4's 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. This performance gap is reflected in fuel economy; the S4 achieves a combined 24 MPG (20/29 City/Highway), substantially better than the M3's combined 19 MPG (16/23 City/Highway). The Audi employs an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with all-wheel drive, while the BMW utilizes a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. Finally, the M3 offers superior cargo space at 16.9 cu ft against the S4's 12 cu ft, despite being only 1.6 inches longer overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG and standard all-wheel drive security.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M3

The BMW M3 is better suited for families as it provides substantially more cargo volume at 16.9 cu ft compared to the S4's 12 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M3

The BMW M3 appeals more to driving purists with its higher 473 horsepower output and standard 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 delivers a strong performance benchmark for only $54,900, undercutting the M3's $76,700 price point by $21,800.

Choose the Audi S4 if...

Budget constraints require a purchase price under $55,000 (MSRP of $54,900).
Maximizing daily driving efficiency is critical, evidenced by 24 combined MPG versus the M3's 19 MPG.
All-wheel drive security and an 8-speed automatic transmission are preferred for predictable handling.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

Peak performance is the priority, leveraging the M3's 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
A traditional engagement level is desired via the 6-speed manual transmission.
Maximum utility is required, as the M3 offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S4's 12 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S4	BMW M3
Length	187.5"	189.1"
Width	72.7"	74.3"
Height	56.2"	56.6"
Wheelbase	111.0"	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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	349 hp @ 6300 rpm	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 3200 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
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	16/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	306.0/443.7 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	464W
Speaker System	10	16
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
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	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 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 Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 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	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	✓	285/35R Z
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 10.5 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.
Drivetrain Warranty	—	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	—	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	—	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S4 and 2025 BMW M3.

What is the exact horsepower deficit between the two performance sedans?

The 2025 BMW M3 is rated at 473 horsepower, creating a deficit of 124 horsepower when compared to the 2025 Audi S4's 349 hp output.

Do both vehicles require the same type of fuel?

While both mandate premium unleaded gasoline, the M3 explicitly requires it, whereas the S4 only recommends it, indicating a slightly wider operational tolerance for the Audi.

How does the drivetrain configuration differ for handling characteristics?

The Audi S4 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic, focusing on traction and smooth shifts, while the BMW M3 uses rear-wheel drive paired with a 6-speed manual, emphasizing driver input and traditional sports sedan dynamics.

Is the extra cost of the M3 justified by its size advantage?

The M3 is only marginally larger in overall dimensions (189.1 inches long vs. 187.5 for the S4), but it offers 4.9 additional cubic feet of cargo space (16.9 vs. 12.0), which is where its physical advantage is most notable.

How much more does the M3 cost on paper compared to the S4?

The 2025 BMW M3 commands an MSRP of $76,700, which is precisely $21,800 more expensive than the Audi S4's base price of $54,900.

What is the annual fuel cost difference based on stated MPG figures?

Based strictly on the 5 MPG difference in combined efficiency (24 MPG for S4 vs. 19 MPG for M3), the S4 is significantly cheaper to run, assuming identical annual mileage on premium fuel.