2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Audi S3

$51,150 · Coupe

$52,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 4 Series captivates with its classic coupe styling, boasting a low stance at 54.6 inches in height and emphasizing graceful rear-wheel-drive dynamics, even if its 255 hp output is modest for the segment. Contrast this with the ferocious 2026 Audi S3 Sedan, a compact powerhouse delivering an astonishing 328 hp and the sure-footed grip of Quattro all-wheel drive. While the BMW excels in efficiency, returning 31 MPG combined, the S3 trades 5 MPG for a dramatic 73 hp advantage. The BMW offers substantially more utility with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi's tight 8.3 cu ft, despite a slightly lower MSRP of $51,150 versus the S3's $52,000. Enthusiasts prioritizing pure driving feedback might lean toward the BMW's RWD, but the S3’s acceleration potential is undeniably tempting.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the S3's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series

The 4 Series coupe offers significantly more practical storage with 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S3 sedan's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S3

The 2026 Audi S3 delivers superior straight-line performance with 328 hp and the grip of standard all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series is slightly cheaper at $51,150 while offering better fuel economy and more cargo space.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 31 MPG combined rating versus the S3's 26 MPG.
You require more usable trunk space, as the 4 Series offers 15.5 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
You prefer the traditional engagement of a rear-wheel-drive layout in a sleek coupe body style.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

You demand exhilarating acceleration backed by 328 hp, a substantial 73 hp more than the competition.
You live in areas requiring enhanced traction, thanks to the standard all-wheel drive system.
You favor a more compact footprint, with the S3 being nearly 10.5 inches shorter in overall length (177.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series	Audi S3
Length	187.9"	177.4"
Width	72.9"	71.5"
Height	54.6"	55.7"
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	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	328 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 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)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/558.0 mi.	333.5/449.5 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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
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	—
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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
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	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/40R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season

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 S3.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2026 Audi S3?

The Audi S3 holds a major advantage in raw power, producing 328 hp compared to the BMW 4 Series' 255 hp, representing a difference of 73 horsepower. This power deficit means the BMW prioritizes efficiency over outright speed in this comparison.

How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?

The 2025 BMW 4 Series is the much more frugal option, achieving 31 MPG combined (28 City/36 Highway). The 2026 Audi S3, due to its higher output and AWD, yields a lower 26 MPG combined rating.

Is the 2026 Audi S3 practical for carrying luggage?

The S3 sedan is considerably less practical for cargo, offering only 8.3 cu ft of space in the trunk. The BMW 4 Series coupe, surprisingly, offers nearly double that capacity at 15.5 cu ft.

Which car has a lower starting price?

The 2025 BMW 4 Series carries a slightly lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $51,150, undercutting the 2026 Audi S3's price tag of $52,000.

How do the drivetrain layouts affect driving feel?

The BMW utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration which typically offers purer steering feedback and balance favored by traditionalists. The Audi features all-wheel drive, prioritizing traction and stability, especially crucial given its higher torque output of 295 lb-ft.

Are the transmissions comparable between the two models?

No, they utilize different automatic types; the BMW uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic optimized for smooth operation, whereas the Audi employs a faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission, aligning with its performance focus.