2026 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series

$66,100 · Sedan

$52,600 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Picking between the 2026 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series boils down to whether you prioritize raw, compact performance or slightly better daily usability wrapped in a sleek coupe package. The common dilemma here is balancing a significant price gap—the RS 3 starts at $66,100 versus the 4 Series at $52,600—against driving excitement. The Audi packs a serious punch with 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, although it only returns 23 combined MPG, while the RWD BMW offers a more conventional 255 hp. Interestingly, despite the RS 3’s shorter length of 178.5 inches, it suffers dramatically in cargo space, offering just 8.3 cu ft compared to the 4 Series' ample 15.5 cu ft. This comparison highlights a trade-off between RS 3's potent engine and the 4 Series' practicality, despite the latter's rear-wheel drive setup.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series wins for commuting due to its larger 15.5 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's tiny 8.3 cu ft.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series

While neither is ideal for families, the 4 Series offers substantially more trunk space (15.5 cu ft vs. 8.3 cu ft) which is crucial for errands.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The 2026 Audi RS 3 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque versus the BMW's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series wins on value, costing $13,500 less while offering comparable driving dynamics outside of straight-line power metrics.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You demand top-tier performance, as the RS 3 delivers 394 horsepower.
You prefer the assured grip of all-wheel drive for varied conditions.
You prioritize a compact footprint, as the RS 3 is 9.4 inches shorter than the 4 Series.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

You are looking to save $13,500, as the 4 Series MSRP is significantly lower at $52,600.
You frequently use your trunk, given the 4 Series offers 15.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer a traditional automatic transmission paired with a slightly better fuel economy outlook.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW 4 Series
Length	178.5"	187.9"
Width	72.9"	72.9"
Height	54.8"	54.6"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	394 hp	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	20	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/420.5 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	—
Stereo Power	680W	205W
Speaker System	15	10
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	✓	225/45R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	BMW
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./ 30000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi RS 3 and 2026 BMW 4 Series.

How significant is the power difference between the two cars?

The Audi RS 3 holds a commanding advantage with 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW 4 Series' 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This nearly 140 hp difference means the RS 3 will feel significantly faster in acceleration scenarios.

Is the BMW 4 Series much better for practical use than the Audi RS 3?

Yes, the 4 Series is noticeably more practical, offering 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly double the 8.3 cu ft available in the smaller RS 3 sedan body style.

Which car requires more expensive fuel, and how do they compare on efficiency?

Both require premium unleaded fuel, but the RS 3's performance focus results in a combined 23 MPG. While the 4 Series MPG isn't listed, the 23 MPG figure suggests the RS 3 will cost more to run day-to-day.

What is the main driving dynamics difference based on the specs provided?

The Audi RS 3 uses an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the BMW 4 Series utilizes rear-wheel drive with a conventional 8-speed automatic. This generally translates to more predictable grip from the Audi and a more classic sports car feel from the BMW.

How large is the initial price difference when buying new?

There is a substantial $13,500 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2026 Audi RS 3 starts at $66,100, while the 2026 BMW 4 Series starts at a much lower $52,600.