2025 BMW 5 Series vs 2026 Audi S3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 BMW 5 Series and the 2026 Audi S3 is the 73 horsepower gap, with the S3 offering 328 hp against the 5 Series' 255 hp, despite both achieving identical 295 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the BMW maintains a substantial 5 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (31 MPG vs. 26 MPG), demanding premium unleaded fuel in both instances. Price is another major factor, as the 5 Series carries an MSRP of $58,700, which is $6,700 more than the Audi S3's $52,000 starting price. Size differences are pronounced: the 5 Series is over 21 inches longer at 199.2 inches and boasts over double the storage space with 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft. Performance metrics suggest the S3 prioritizes power output, while the 5 Series focuses on efficient, larger-scale luxury cruising.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 5 Series
The 2025 BMW 5 Series offers superior efficiency with a 31 MPG combined rating versus the S3's 26 MPG.
2025 BMW 5 Series
With 18.4 cu ft of cargo space, the BMW provides substantially more utility than the Audi's 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Audi S3
The 2026 Audi S3 delivers 328 horsepower, significantly outpacing the BMW's 255 hp output.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 achieves higher output for a $6,700 lower starting MSRP of $52,000.
Choose the BMW 5 Series if...
- You prioritize maximized cargo volume, as the 5 Series offers 18.4 cu ft.
- You need better fuel economy, evidenced by its 31 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer the stability and traditional handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Maximum engine power is essential, given the S3's 328 hp rating.
- You require all-weather security provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- A lower entry price point of $52,000 is a primary consideration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 5 Series | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.2" | 177.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 71.5" |
| Height | 59.6" | 55.7" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
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) | 28/35 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 445.2/556.5 mi. | 333.5/449.5 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| 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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/45R19 | 225/40R18 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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 S3.
Which vehicle offers superior straight-line acceleration based on horsepower?
The 2026 Audi S3 is the clear performance leader on paper, boasting 328 hp compared to the 2025 BMW 5 Series' 255 hp. While both cars share identical torque figures at 295 lb-ft, the S3's higher peak power should translate to faster acceleration times.
How much difference is there in daily running costs regarding fuel?
The BMW 5 Series provides better fuel efficiency with a combined 31 MPG versus the S3's 26 MPG. This 5 MPG difference will result in fewer stops at the pump over the 5 Series' lifespan, although both require premium unleaded fuel.
Is the BMW 5 Series significantly larger than the Audi S3?
Yes, the dimensional differences are substantial; the BMW 5 Series measures 199.2 inches in length compared to the S3's 177.4 inches, making the BMW over 21 inches longer and wider at 74.8 inches.
Does the significant price difference reflect differences in drivetrain technology?
The $6,700 MSRP difference accounts for the 5 Series being a RWD platform, whereas the S3 utilizes an AWD system and an automated manual transmission, contributing to its lower starting price of $52,000.
For someone frequently hauling luggage, which sedan offers more practical storage?
The BMW 5 Series is the much more practical option for cargo, offering 18.4 cu ft. This volume is more than double the 8.3 cu ft available in the Audi S3.
Do the transmissions impact the driving feel significantly?
The vehicles employ different automatic setups: the 5 Series uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, aiming for smooth shifts, while the S3 uses a 7-speed automated manual, often prioritized for quicker, more direct shifts favored by driving enthusiasts.
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