2025 BMW 5 Series vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$58,700 · Sedan

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sophisticated efficiency of the 2025 BMW 5 Series and the raw, compact punch of the 2026 Audi RS 3 is a classic executive dilemma. The BMW targets refined daily driving, offering a strong 31 MPG combined for its $58,700 starting price, utilizing its 255 hp engine effectively for long highway stretches, noted by its 35 MPG highway rating. Conversely, the Audi RS 3 screams performance, packing a serious 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, but this power comes at a cost, dropping efficiency to 23 MPG combined and demanding a higher $66,100 MSRP. Furthermore, the BMW is significantly larger at 199.2 inches long versus the RS 3's 178.5 inches, impacting usability. While the Audi offers 139 more horsepower, the BMW's better fuel economy and lower initial cost make it a strong contender for practical luxury seekers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The 2025 BMW 5 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the Audi's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW offers substantially more practicality with 18.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the RS 3's smaller 8.3 cu ft capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The 2026 Audi RS 3 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series provides better overall value, costing $7,400 less while delivering significantly better fuel efficiency.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

You prioritize long-term running costs and want 31 MPG combined.
You need the extra space offered by its 18.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer a lower entry price point starting at $58,700.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Maximum acceleration is your top priority, thanks to its 394 hp output.
You prefer the enhanced grip and security of All-Wheel Drive.
You appreciate a tighter, more compact footprint at 178.5 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 5 Series	Audi RS 3
Length	199.2"	178.5"
Width	74.8"	72.9"
Height	59.6"	54.8"
Wheelbase	117.9"	103.6"

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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

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)	28/35 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	445.2/556.5 mi.	290.0/420.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.8 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-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	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.9 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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	245/45R19	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

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 5 Series and 2026 Audi RS 3.

How much more powerful is the Audi RS 3 than the BMW 5 Series?

The 2026 Audi RS 3 boasts 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial 139 horsepower advantage over the 2025 BMW 5 Series’ 255 hp.

Is the difference in fuel economy noticeable between these two sedans?

Yes, the difference is quite significant; the BMW achieves 31 MPG combined, whereas the high-performance Audi RS 3 is rated at only 23 MPG combined, meaning more frequent stops for premium fuel.

Which vehicle is better for carrying luggage or gear?

The BMW 5 Series is far superior for cargo needs, offering 18.4 cubic feet, more than double the 8.3 cubic feet available in the smaller Audi RS 3.

What justifies the $7,400 price difference between the two cars?

The higher MSRP of the Audi ($66,100 vs $58,700) primarily covers the performance enhancements, including higher horsepower and the standard All-Wheel Drive system.

How do their physical sizes affect garage fitting or city driving?

The Audi RS 3 is significantly shorter at 178.5 inches long and narrower than the 199.2-inch long BMW 5 Series, making the Audi slightly nimbler for tight parking situations.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW 5 Series and the 2026 Audi RS 3 specify that they require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their rated performance specifications.