2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series

$52,000 · Sedan

$52,600 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most striking divergence between the 2026 Audi S3 ($52,000 MSRP) and the 2026 BMW 4 Series ($52,600 MSRP) is power output, with the S3 delivering 328 hp compared to the 4 Series' 255 hp, a difference of 73 horsepower. Conversely, the 4 Series offers substantially more practicality, boasting 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the S3's restrictive 8.3 cu ft. Fuel economy also separates them, as the Audi S3 achieves a combined 26 MPG while the BMW utilizes premium fuel but lacks a comparable figure in this comparison for combined driving. Both vehicles generate identical torque figures at 295 lb-ft. The Audi is also notably shorter in length at 177.4 inches against the 4 Series' 187.9 inches, suggesting a more compact footprint for the sedan.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S3

The Audi S3 is likely superior for commuting due to its significantly better 26 MPG combined efficiency compared to the BMW's unknown metric but generally lower efficiency associated with RWD coupes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers nearly double the utility with 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft, making it more suitable for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S3

The 2026 Audi S3 appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its 73 horsepower advantage, producing 328 hp to the BMW's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S3

The Audi S3 provides 73 more horsepower for only $600 less than the BMW 4 Series, representing superior power-per-dollar.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

Maximum horsepower is prioritized, as the S3 delivers 328 hp against the 4 Series' 255 hp.
Higher fuel efficiency is necessary, highlighted by the S3's 26 MPG combined rating.
A more compact vehicle footprint is desired, evidenced by the S3's 177.4-inch length.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

Superior luggage capacity is mandatory, as the 4 Series boasts 15.5 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over the S3's 7-speed automated manual.
Rear-wheel drive architecture is specifically sought after for driving dynamics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S3	BMW 4 Series
Length	177.4"	187.9"
Width	71.5"	72.9"
Height	55.7"	54.6"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
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	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.5/449.5 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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/40R18	225/45R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 S3 and 2026 BMW 4 Series.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Audi S3 than the BMW 4 Series?

The 2026 Audi S3 holds a significant advantage in raw power, producing 328 horsepower compared to the 255 horsepower generated by the 2026 BMW 4 Series. This results in a measurable difference of 73 hp favoring the Audi.

Which vehicle offers better cargo space for utility purposes?

The 2026 BMW 4 Series is substantially better for cargo, offering 15.5 cu ft in its coupe configuration. The Audi S3 sedan is limited to just 8.3 cu ft.

Do the torque figures differ between these two premium sedans/coupes?

No, based on the specifications provided, both the 2026 Audi S3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series produce an identical 295 lb-ft of torque.

What are the primary differences in drivetrain and fuel economy?

The Audi S3 utilizes an all-wheel drive system and achieves a combined 26 MPG, while the BMW 4 Series defaults to rear-wheel drive and does not have a specified combined MPG rating for direct comparison.

Is the difference in MSRP significant between the two models?

The price difference is minimal; the 2026 Audi S3 is priced at $52,000, while the 2026 BMW 4 Series starts at $52,600, a $600 premium for the BMW.

How do the physical dimensions compare between the two 2026 models?

The BMW 4 Series is longer at 187.9 inches compared to the S3's 177.4 inches, but the Audi is slightly taller at 55.7 inches versus the BMW's 54.6 inches.