2025 BMW M4 vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$79,700 · Coupe

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary financial divergence between the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2026 Audi RS 3 stands at a significant $13,600, with the M4 commanding an MSRP of $79,700 against the RS 3's $66,100. Performance specifications reflect this price gap, as the M4 delivers 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the RS 3's 394 hp and 369 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another key metric where the RS 3 shows superiority, achieving a combined 23 MPG compared to the M4's 19 MPG, translating to a 4 MPG advantage for the Audi. While both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, the M4 offers a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, whereas the RS 3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, and the BMW features a marginally larger 12 cu ft cargo area versus the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi RS 3

The 2026 Audi RS 3 wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the M4's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M4

The 2025 BMW M4 is marginally better for families as it offers 12 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4

The M4 appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 473 horsepower and the inclusion of a 6-speed manual transmission option.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi RS 3

The 2026 Audi RS 3 provides substantially greater value by offering 394 hp for $13,600 less than the entry-level BMW M4.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You require the full 473 horsepower output delivered by the M4's powertrain.
You prefer the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission over an automated unit.
You need the greater cargo volume, offering 12 cubic feet versus the RS 3's 8.3 cubic feet.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Your priority is fuel efficiency, evidenced by the RS 3's 23 MPG combined rating.
You prefer the enhanced traction and control of an All-Wheel Drive system.
You are seeking a performance vehicle with a significantly lower entry cost of $66,100.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M4	Audi RS 3
Length	189.1"	178.5"
Width	74.3"	72.9"
Height	54.8"	54.8"
Wheelbase	112.5"	103.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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 (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 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	35.8 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.7 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 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 M4 and 2026 Audi RS 3.

What is the total power difference between the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2026 Audi RS 3?

The 2025 BMW M4 produces 473 horsepower, resulting in a 79 horsepower advantage over the 2026 Audi RS 3, which is rated at 394 horsepower. This difference is substantial for raw acceleration metrics.

How does the MSRP discrepancy affect the value proposition of these two vehicles?

The BMW M4 has an MSRP of $79,700, creating a $13,600 price gap with the $66,100 Audi RS 3. This makes the RS 3 the clear choice for buyers prioritizing immediate cost savings.

Which vehicle is more practical for long-distance driving based on fuel economy figures?

The 2026 Audi RS 3 is superior for long distances, achieving 23 MPG combined (20/29 City/Highway). The M4 trails significantly with only 19 MPG combined (16/23 City/Highway).

Does the body style influence usability, specifically cargo space?

Yes, the M4 Coupe offers 12 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the RS 3 Sedan provides 8.3 cubic feet. This 3.7 cubic foot difference favors the M4 despite it being a two-door coupe.

What are the differences in drivetrain and transmission between the two performance cars?

The M4 utilizes a rear-wheel-drive system mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. Conversely, the RS 3 employs an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.