2025 Audi S4 vs 2026 BMW M3

$54,900 · Sedan

$78,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi S4 immediately captivates with its composed, all-weather grip thanks to standard quattro all-wheel drive and a respectable 349 hp output, making it a sharp, everyday weapon with a $54,900 starting price. Conversely, the 2026 BMW M3 announces its intentions with a raw, track-focused edge, delivering a staggering 473 hp and a nostalgic 6-speed manual transmission for an MSRP commanding $78,400. This comparison pits sophisticated German all-weather precision against pure, rear-wheel-drive adrenaline. The M3 boasts 124 more horsepower and a larger 16.9 cu ft of cargo space than the S4's 12 cu ft, but the S4 counters with superior efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the M3’s 19. This difference boils down to the S4 being the supremely capable daily driver, while the M3 remains the uncompromising enthusiast's tool, albeit one that demands $23,500 more upfront and greater fuel consumption.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG highway versus the M3's 23 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW M3

The 2026 BMW M3 offers substantially more utility with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the S4's 12.0 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M3

The M3 is the superior enthusiast choice, offering 473 hp and the highly engaging 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 provides an excellent performance package for $54,900, significantly undercutting the M3's $78,400 price tag.

Choose the Audi S4 if...

You prioritize year-round driving confidence via its all-wheel drive system.
You need better running costs with 24 combined MPG versus the M3's 19.
Your budget is firmly capped near the $55,000 mark for a premium performance sedan.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

You crave maximum performance, highlighted by the massive 124 hp advantage (473 hp).
You desire the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
You require more utility from the trunk, as the M3 offers 16.9 cu ft versus 12.0 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 2026 BMW M3.

What is the real-world driving difference between the 2025 Audi S4 and the 2026 BMW M3?

The S4 delivers composed, assured acceleration from its 349 hp AWD system, perfect for varied conditions. The M3, however, is sharper, delivering 473 hp through its rear wheels, making it feel significantly more ferocious and demanding, especially when utilizing the 6-speed manual.

Is the 2026 BMW M3's higher price justified by the horsepower gap?

The M3 commands a $23,500 premium over the S4, primarily because it offers 124 more horsepower (473 hp vs. 349 hp). For driving purists who value ultimate straight-line speed, this power bump justifies the expense, but budget-conscious buyers gain less excitement for less money in the S4.

How does the fuel economy impact long-term ownership?

The S4 is considerably thriftier, earning 24 combined MPG, while the M3 only manages 19 combined MPG, representing a 5 MPG difference. This means the S4 driver spends notably less at the premium unleaded pump over 12,000 miles annually.

Which car is better suited for handling snowy or wet roads?

The 2025 Audi S4 is the clear choice for poor weather due to its standard all-wheel drive system, offering superior traction and stability in slippery conditions compared to the M3's rear-wheel drive setup.

Does the M3 offer better cargo space than the S4?

Yes, the 2026 BMW M3 provides a clear advantage in hauling capacity, boasting 16.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is nearly 5 cubic feet more than the Audi S4’s 12.0 cubic feet.

Why does the BMW M3 require premium fuel while the Audi S4 recommends it?

The M3's higher compression engine tuned for 473 hp demands the octane rating of premium fuel for peak performance and engine protection, hence it is required. The S4’s tune is less aggressive, allowing premium to be recommended but not strictly mandated.