2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (car1) and the 2026 Audi A3 (car2) is the $9,550 MSRP difference, starting at $49,650 versus $40,100. Performance figures also establish clear separation: the BMW delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, notably exceeding the Audi's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the BMW slightly, achieving 30 combined MPG on premium fuel compared to the Audi's 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded. In terms of size, the BMW offers substantially more utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the A3's 8.3 cu ft. While the A3 counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, the RWD BMW prioritizes raw power output for its higher cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 wins for commuters due to its lower initial MSRP of $40,100 and the advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is superior for families, offering 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Enthusiasts will prefer the BMW for its higher output, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the A3's 201 hp.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 represents better overall value proposition due to a $9,550 lower starting price point.
Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...
- You require a higher performance envelope, leveraging 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You need significant storage, as the 16.6 cu ft cargo volume substantially surpasses the competitor.
- You prefer traditional Rear Wheel Drive dynamics coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Budget is the primary constraint, benefiting from a starting MSRP that is $9,550 less than Car 1.
- You prioritize traction in varied conditions, as the A3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You wish to use regular unleaded fuel instead of the BMW's required premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.5" | 177.3" |
| Width | 72.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.8" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 112.4" | 103.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front 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 | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 421.2/546.0 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| 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 |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | 225/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| 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 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Audi A3.
What is the impact of the fuel requirements on long-term running costs?
The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe requires premium unleaded, adding cost per fill-up, whereas the 2026 Audi A3 accepts regular unleaded. While the BMW achieves 30 combined MPG versus the Audi's 28 combined MPG, the premium fuel requirement for the BMW likely nullifies this efficiency gain over ownership.
How does the difference in horsepower translate to real-world driving?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has a 54 hp advantage (255 hp vs. 201 hp) and superior torque (295 lb-ft vs. 236 lb-ft), suggesting superior acceleration and passing power. The Audi relies on its AWD system to manage its lesser power output.
Is the Audi A3 a suitable replacement for a larger sedan given its cargo space?
The Audi A3 is significantly constrained, offering only 8.3 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is less than half the 16.6 cu ft provided by the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, making the BMW better suited for hauling luggage or large grocery hauls.
Which vehicle offers a superior drivetrain for adverse weather conditions?
The 2026 Audi A3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which generally provides superior traction and stability in snow or rain. The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe features Rear Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
What is the dimensional difference between these two models?
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is considerably longer and wider, measuring 188.5 inches in length and 72.9 inches in width. The Audi A3 is more compact at 177.3 inches long and 71.5 inches wide, potentially aiding maneuverability in tight urban settings.
How do the transmissions differ between the BMW and the Audi?
The BMW utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially smoother shifts and performance, whereas the Audi A3 employs a 7-speed automated manual transmission. This difference in technology affects the driving feel and responsiveness of each vehicle.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool