2025 BMW M3 vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$76,700 · Sedan

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW M3 and the 2026 Audi RS 3 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the BMW commanding a premium of $10,600 over the Audi, launching at $76,700 compared to the RS 3's $66,100. Power output heavily favors the M3, delivering 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque against the RS 3's 394 hp and 369 lb-ft. This power gap is balanced somewhat by fuel economy; the RS 3 achieves 23 MPG combined, substantially outperforming the M3's 19 MPG combined. Furthermore, dimensionally, the M3 is longer at 189.1 inches versus the RS 3's 178.5 inches. While the M3 offers superior cargo capacity at 16.9 cu ft, the Audi counters with superior traction via its standard All-Wheel Drive system compared to the M3's Rear-Wheel Drive setup.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is superior for commuting due to its better combined fuel economy of 23 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M3

The BMW M3 provides a larger interior volume, evidenced by its 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M3

The BMW M3 appeals more to driving purists by offering a higher output of 473 horsepower paired with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 offers better efficiency and a significant $10,600 lower entry price point, delivering strong performance metrics for less money.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

You prioritize raw power, commanding 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
You require more usable space, as indicated by its 16.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Fuel economy is critical, as the RS 3 achieves 23 MPG combined versus the M3's 19 MPG.
You need the superior traction and stability of an All-Wheel Drive system.
Sticking to a lower MSRP of $66,100 is a primary concern.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M3	Audi RS 3
Length	189.1"	178.5"
Width	74.3"	72.9"
Height	56.6"	54.8"
Wheelbase	112.5"	103.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 5
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	473 hp @ 6250 rpm	394 hp
Torque	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	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	6-speed manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/23 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	249.6/358.8 mi.	290.0/420.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
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	464W	680W
Speaker System	16	15
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-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 Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.6 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 10.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	285/35R Z	✓
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 M3 and 2026 Audi RS 3.

What is the practical difference in drivetrain between the M3 and the RS 3?

The 2025 BMW M3 utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive configuration with a 6-speed manual transmission, favoring driver involvement. Conversely, the 2026 Audi RS 3 features an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission for enhanced traction.

How significantly does the RS 3's fuel economy surpass the M3's?

The difference is notable for daily driving, with the RS 3 rating at 23 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway) compared to the M3's 19 MPG combined (16 city/23 highway), resulting in substantial fuel cost savings over time.

Which vehicle has a higher MSRP, and by how much?

The 2025 BMW M3 carries an MSRP of $76,700, making it $10,600 more expensive than the 2026 Audi RS 3, which starts at $66,100.

If I frequently carry luggage, which sedan offers better utility?

The BMW M3 is substantially more accommodating for cargo, offering 16.9 cu ft of storage space. The Audi RS 3's trunk volume is significantly smaller at only 8.3 cu ft.

Is the performance disparity between the two substantial despite the price difference?

Yes, the M3 produces 79 more horsepower (473 hp vs. 394 hp) and 37 more lb-ft of torque (406 vs. 369), indicating a clear advantage in raw acceleration potential for the higher-priced BMW.

Are there dimensional differences that impact garage fitment?

The BMW M3 is longer by 10.6 inches (189.1 inches total length) and slightly wider (74.3 inches vs. 72.9 inches) than the Audi RS 3, which requires accounting for tighter parking situations.