2025 Audi S5 vs 2025 BMW M3
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi S5 and the 2025 BMW M3 is the staggering MSRP gap, with the M3 costing $18,800 more at $76,700 compared to the S5's $57,900. This price disparity directly correlates with performance metrics: the M3 offers a substantial 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the S5's 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. Furthermore, drivetrain philosophy differs greatly, as the S5 uses an 8-speed automatic with standard AWD, while the M3 employs a demanding 6-speed manual sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. Efficiency also favors the Audi, achieving a combined 23 MPG versus the M3's 19 MPG. The S5 leverages its hatchback design for superior utility, offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the M3 sedan's 16.9 cu ft, cementing the S5 as the more pragmatic, less expensive entry.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S5
The Audi S5 provides superior fuel economy at 23 combined MPG and standard all-wheel drive, making daily driving more efficient and predictable than the M3's 19 MPG and RWD setup.
2025 Audi S5
The S5 offers a substantially larger cargo capacity of 21.8 cubic feet thanks to its hatchback body style, compared to the M3's 16.9 cubic feet.
2025 BMW M3
The BMW M3 delivers significantly higher peak performance metrics, boasting 473 horsepower and a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Audi S5
The Audi S5 commands a $18,800 lower MSRP while still delivering AWD and respectable performance figures.
Choose the Audi S5 if...
- You prioritize a lower initial acquisition cost, starting at $57,900 versus the M3's $76,700.
- You require better real-world efficiency, achieving 29 highway MPG compared to the M3's 23 highway MPG.
- You value the versatility and extra cargo space provided by the hatchback design (21.8 cu ft).
Choose the BMW M3 if...
- Your primary goal is maximum straight-line power, evidenced by the M3's 473 hp.
- You insist on engaging directly with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer the dynamic stability and direct feel of a rear-wheel-drive performance architecture.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S5 | BMW M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 189.1" |
| Width | 72.6" | 74.3" |
| Height | 54.6" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| 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) | 23 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | — |
| Stereo Power | 755W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 19 | 16 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 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 | 37.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 285/35R Z |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| 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. | 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 S5 and 2025 BMW M3.
What is the total horsepower difference between the 2025 Audi S5 and the 2025 BMW M3?
The BMW M3 generates significantly more power, producing 473 horsepower compared to the Audi S5's 349 horsepower. This results in a 124 hp advantage for the M3.
How does the fuel economy compare for these two premium vehicles?
The Audi S5 offers better fuel consumption, rated at 23 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway). The BMW M3 is less economical, achieving only 19 combined MPG (16 city/23 highway).
Which vehicle has a more practical cargo area?
The Audi S5, due to its hatchback configuration, offers 21.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The BMW M3 sedan provides less utility with 16.9 cubic feet.
What is the MSRP difference between the S5 and the M3?
There is a significant $18,800 difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The S5 starts at $57,900, while the M3 is priced from $76,700.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different in these models?
Yes, they feature entirely different philosophies; the S5 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the M3 utilizes a driver-focused 6-speed manual.
Do both vehicles use the same drivetrain layout?
No, the Audi S5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, prioritizing traction in various conditions. Conversely, the BMW M3 utilizes a traditional rear-wheel drive layout for a classic performance feel.
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