2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the 2026 Audi A3 often comes down to balancing performance needs against running costs in the entry-level luxury space. The BMW commands a higher starting price at $41,600 compared to the Audi's $40,100, but it brings significantly more grunt, offering 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque against the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. While both are AWD sedans, the BMW requires premium fuel, impacting long-term expenses. Fuel economy is slightly better for the BMW at 30 combined MPG versus the Audi's 28 combined MPG, although the A3 saves money by accepting regular unleaded. Size-wise, the BMW is slightly longer at 179.2 inches, while the A3 is slightly wider at 71.5 inches. The most notable functional difference is cargo space, where the BMW offers a respectable 12 cu ft compared to the A3’s tight 8.3 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy rating of 38 MPG versus the A3's 34 MPG.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
With 12 cu ft of cargo capacity, the BMW offers substantially more usable space for hauling family gear than the Audi's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The 40 hp advantage, delivering 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, makes the BMW the clear choice for spirited driving.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 provides a lower MSRP of $40,100 and allows the use of less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe if...
- You prioritize outright acceleration, benefiting from 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the extra usable storage provided by the 12 cu ft cargo area.
- You frequently drive on the highway and prefer its slightly better highway rating of 38 MPG.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Keeping running costs low is critical, as the A3 accepts regular unleaded fuel.
- You want the lowest possible entry price point, starting at $40,100.
- You prefer a slightly wider stance (71.5 inches) and a marginally smaller overall footprint at 177.3 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.2" | 177.3" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.9" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 103.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 236 lb-ft |
| 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 | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/38 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.7 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Harman/Kardon | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Head Room | — | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Room | — | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 53.0 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Audi A3.
Which car is more expensive to run considering fuel?
The 2025 BMW 2 Series GC requires premium unleaded fuel, which adds to daily costs despite its slightly better 30 combined MPG. The 2026 Audi A3 uses regular unleaded, making its refueling costs generally lower, even though it only achieves 28 combined MPG.
Is the Audi A3 significantly smaller inside than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?
Yes, cargo space is a major differentiator; the BMW offers 12 cu ft, which is notably more practical than the Audi A3's small 8.3 cu ft trunk capacity.
How much of a performance difference is there between these two AWD sedans?
The BMW holds a significant 40 hp advantage, boasting 241 hp versus the Audi's 201 hp, translating directly to quicker acceleration figures.
Do both models use similar transmissions?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW and the 2026 Audi utilize a 7-speed automated manual transmission paired with their all-wheel-drive systems.
If I'm looking strictly at the sticker price, which one is cheaper?
The 2026 Audi A3 has the lower MSRP, starting at $40,100 compared to the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe's starting price of $41,600.
Are there major differences in exterior size that affect parking?
The BMW is slightly longer at 179.2 inches, while the Audi is marginally wider at 71.5 inches; however, both are compact luxury sedans well-suited for city maneuvers.
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