2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$51,150 · Coupe

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Audi RS 3 is the $14,950 difference in base MSRP, with the Audi commanding $66,100 compared to the BMW's $51,150. This price premium buys the RS 3 substantial performance gains, delivering 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque—a 139 hp and 74 lb-ft advantage over the 4 Series’ 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Conversely, the BMW offers superior operational efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Audi's 23 MPG combined. The structural differences are also apparent: the BMW, as a coupe, features 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially larger than the RS 3 sedan's 8.3 cu ft. Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, but the BMW’s 8-speed automatic facilitates better fuel economy across its RWD platform.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series wins for commuting due to its superior 31 MPG combined efficiency versus the Audi's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW offers significantly more utility with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 provides demonstrably higher performance metrics with 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers a more attainable entry point at $51,150 and vastly better fuel economy for the daily driver.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

Your budget necessitates a starting MSRP under $52,000.
Daily driving economy is paramount, highlighted by its 31 MPG combined rating.
You require greater trunk space, evidenced by 15.5 cu ft vs. 8.3 cu ft.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Raw acceleration and power are the top priority, with 394 hp available.
All-wheel drive traction is necessary for driving conditions.
You prefer the highly responsive shifting characteristics of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series	Audi RS 3
Length	187.9"	178.5"
Width	72.9"	72.9"
Height	54.6"	54.8"
Wheelbase	112.2"	103.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 5
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	394 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	20
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
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/558.0 mi.	290.0/420.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	680W
Speaker System	10	15
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Sonos
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	54.8 in.
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 Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	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
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	35.2 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 in.	53.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	✓
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Tire Type	—	Performance

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 and 2026 Audi RS 3.

What is the performance gap between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Audi RS 3?

The Audi RS 3 holds a substantial advantage in power, delivering 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the BMW 4 Series provides 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 139 hp difference favoring the Audi.

How does the difference in MSRP affect the overall cost of ownership?

The Audi RS 3 carries a $14,950 higher MSRP at $66,100 compared to the BMW 4 Series at $51,150. This initial price difference is exacerbated by the Audi’s lower combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the BMW’s 31 MPG.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance trips regarding fuel stops?

The BMW 4 Series is superior for minimizing fuel stops, boasting a combined 31 MPG rating (28 city/36 highway). The RS 3 is notably less efficient, rated at only 23 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway).

Are there significant differences in the body style and usability?

Yes, the BMW 4 Series is a dedicated Coupe, whereas the Audi RS 3 is a Sedan, though the BMW still offers 15.5 cu ft of cargo space, considerably more than the RS 3’s 8.3 cu ft.

How does the drivetrain and transmission compare between these models?

The BMW utilizes a rear-wheel drive setup paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Audi RS 3 employs an all-wheel drive system mated to a faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Do both cars require premium gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Audi RS 3 explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their published performance and efficiency figures.