2025 Audi S6 vs 2025 BMW M3
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi S6 and the 2025 BMW M3 lies in powertrain configuration, specifically the BMW M3 delivering 473 horsepower compared to the Audi S6's 444 hp, a difference of 29 horsepower. Despite the M3's slight power advantage, the Audi S6 exhibits superior fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the M3's 19 MPG combined rating. The S6 also offers a more accessible automatic transmission (8-speed), contrasting with the M3's engaging 6-speed manual. Pricewise, the S6 is nominally cheaper at $75,900 versus the M3's $76,700. Dimensionally, the S6 is 195.0 inches long, offering less utility than the M3's 16.9 cu ft of cargo space, while the S6 provides only 13.7 cu ft. The S6 employs AWD while the M3 uses RWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S6
The Audi S6 is the superior commuter due to its significantly better 22 MPG combined fuel economy and the ease of its 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 BMW M3
The BMW M3 offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Audi S6's 13.7 cu ft, better suiting family needs.
2025 BMW M3
The BMW M3 appeals more to driving purists with its higher 473 hp output and standard 6-speed manual transmission paired with a RWD layout.
2025 Audi S6
The Audi S6 holds a slight edge in value, offering 3 more MPG combined and a lower MSRP of $75,900 compared to the M3's $76,700.
Choose the Audi S6 if...
- Fuel efficiency is a priority, as the S6 achieves 22 MPG combined versus 19 MPG in the M3.
- You prefer the consistency and ease of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for daily driving.
- All-wheel drive capability is necessary for superior traction in varying weather conditions.
Choose the BMW M3 if...
- Maximum power delivery is paramount, with the M3 delivering 473 horsepower against the S6's 444 hp.
- You desire the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Greater overall storage space is required, given the M3โs 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S6 | BMW M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.0" | 189.1" |
| Width | 74.3" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.9" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 115.3" | 112.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.9 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 444 hp | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | 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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ |
| Rear Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | 16/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 366.7/521.1 mi. | 249.6/358.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 15.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear and Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 16 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | โ | Harman/Kardon |
| Subwoofer Count | โ | 2 |
| Surround Audio | โ | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | โ | โ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 19 x 10.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 255/35R21 | 285/35R Z |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S6 and 2025 BMW M3.
Which sedan is quicker in acceleration based on specifications?
While 0-60 mph times are not provided, the BMW M3 boasts a higher peak horsepower figure at 473 hp compared to the Audi S6's 444 hp. Additionally, the M3โs RWD layout and manual transmission often lend themselves to more aggressive launches favored by performance drivers.
How much more cargo space does the BMW M3 offer over the Audi S6?
The 2025 BMW M3 provides 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a 3.2 cubic foot advantage over the 2025 Audi S6, which is rated at 13.7 cubic feet.
What is the difference in fuel requirements and economy for these performance sedans?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel. The Audi S6 is noticeably more efficient, achieving 22 MPG combined (19/27 city/highway), while the BMW M3 achieves only 19 MPG combined (16/23 city/highway).
Which car has the higher torque figure?
The 2025 Audi S6 produces more torque, registering 442 lb-ft, whereas the 2025 BMW M3 generates 406 lb-ft of torque.
How do the drivetrains and transmissions compare between the two models?
The Audi S6 features an all-wheel drive system paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the BMW M3 comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Is there a significant difference in physical size between the S6 and M3?
Yes, the Audi S6 is physically longer at 195.0 inches compared to the BMW M3's 189.1 inches. Widths are identical at 74.3 inches, and the height difference is minimal, with the M3 being slightly lower at 56.6 inches.
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