2026 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

$66,100 · Sedan

$50,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the $15,500 MSRP gap, with the BMW starting at $50,600 versus the Audi's $66,100. This price difference correlates directly with performance metrics; the RS 3 generates 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from its required premium fuel engine, substantially outperforming the 4 Series Gran Coupe's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Conversely, efficiency heavily favors the BMW, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating compared to the Audi's 23 MPG combined. Furthermore, practicality varies greatly, with the 4 Series Gran Coupe offering double the cargo space at 16.6 cu ft against the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft. While both are premium sedans, the powertrain setup differs, as the Audi uses an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed transmission, while the BMW employs rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers significantly better fuel economy at 30 MPG combined versus the RS 3's 23 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 4 Series Gran Coupe provides substantially more utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The 2026 Audi RS 3 delivers a commanding performance advantage with 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers a powerful 255 hp engine for $15,500 less than the Audi RS 3.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Your priority is maximum straight-line performance, evidenced by its 394 hp output.
You require the enhanced traction stability of an all-wheel drive system.
You prefer the quick shifts associated with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

Minimizing fuel stops is key, given its superior 30 MPG combined rating.
You need greater practicality, as it offers 16.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You wish to save $15,500 in initial purchase price compared to the RS 3.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Length	178.5"	188.5"
Width	72.9"	72.9"
Height	54.8"	56.8"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.4"

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	3
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 Multi-Adjustable 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	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/420.5 mi.	421.2/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.6 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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	38.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	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.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	34.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	54.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	✓	245/45R H
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the horsepower difference between the 2026 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?

The Audi RS 3 holds a significant performance edge, generating 394 hp, which is 139 horsepower more than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's output of 255 hp. This higher power rating contributes to the RS 3's enthusiast focus.

How does the fuel economy compare for these two premium sedans?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is considerably more efficient, achieving 30 MPG combined from its 8-speed transmission. In contrast, the higher-output Audi RS 3 is rated only for 23 MPG combined and strictly mandates premium fuel.

Which vehicle offers better utility for transporting goods?

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the superior choice for cargo capacity, boasting 16.6 cu ft. The 2026 Audi RS 3 is significantly smaller inside, offering only 8.3 cu ft of trunk space.

What drives the $15,500 price gap between the two models?

The price disparity reflects the RS 3's focus on specialized performance, including its all-wheel-drive system and higher engine output (369 lb-ft of torque). The BMW 4 Series starts at $50,600, making it the clear value winner.

Are the dimensions drastically different between the Audi RS 3 and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?

Yes, the BMW is dimensionally larger, being 188.5 inches long compared to the Audi's 178.5 inches in length. The BMW is also slightly taller at 56.8 inches versus the Audi's 54.8 inches.

What is the primary difference in their drivetrains?

The Audi RS 3 utilizes an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe features a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup connected to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.