2025 BMW M4 vs 2026 Audi S3

$79,700 · Coupe

$52,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW M4 and the 2026 Audi S3 presents a classic dilemma: raw performance versus everyday sensibility and price. If your priority is muscle car thrills, the M4 delivers 473 hp and a true 6-speed manual, but it comes at a steep cost, starting at $79,700. Conversely, the Audi S3, priced significantly lower at $52,000, offers practicality as a sedan with better fuel economy, netting 26 combined MPG versus the M4's 19 combined MPG. This $27,700 gap is substantial for daily drivers. Furthermore, the M4’s Coupe body and 12 cu ft of cargo space contrast with the S3’s sedan structure, although the S3 offers slightly less storage at 8.3 cu ft. Enthusiasts seeking maximum straight-line speed will lean toward the M4’s 145 hp advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S3

The 2026 Audi S3 is the superior commuter thanks to its better fuel efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the M4's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S3

The S3 wins for families as it is a practical sedan with a lower entry price and better real-world driving economy.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4

The BMW M4 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, offering substantially more power at 473 hp and a classic 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S3

The Audi S3 provides excellent performance credentials while saving the buyer $27,700 compared to the M4's starting MSRP.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You demand maximum acceleration and power, as the M4 boasts 473 hp.
You specifically want the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
You prefer the sleek, dedicated look of a two-door Coupe body style.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

Keeping running costs low is a priority, evidenced by its 26 combined MPG.
You need the security and traction of All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions.
You want a vehicle that is $27,700 more affordable than the M4.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M4	Audi S3
Length	189.1"	177.4"
Width	74.3"	71.5"
Height	54.8"	55.7"
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	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	473 hp @ 6250 rpm	328 hp
Torque	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm	295 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	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	6-speed manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
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)	16/23 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	249.6/358.8 mi.	333.5/449.5 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	—	✓
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	—
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
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓

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	—
Wheel Size	19 x 10.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	285/35R Z	225/40R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 M4 and 2026 Audi S3.

How much more powerful is the BMW M4 than the Audi S3?

The 2025 BMW M4 has a significant power advantage, producing 473 hp, which is 145 hp more than the 2026 Audi S3’s 328 hp.

Which car is better for saving money on gas?

The 2026 Audi S3 is considerably better on fuel, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the M4's 19 combined MPG.

Is the difference in transmission important for drivers?

Yes, the M4 offers a traditional 6-speed manual transmission for maximum driver control, whereas the S3 uses a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual.

How does the price difference affect the overall value proposition?

The M4 starts at $79,700, making it $27,700 more expensive than the S3's $52,000 MSRP, significantly impacting the value equation for non-performance-focused buyers.