2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

$52,000 · Sedan

$50,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable divergence between the 2026 Audi S3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe lies in performance figures, where the S3 delivers a substantial 73-horsepower advantage, boasting 328 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp, despite both models achieving identical 295 lb-ft of torque. However, efficiency heavily favors the BMW, which achieves a combined 30 MPG versus the Audi’s 26 MPG, translating to a 4 MPG advantage on the highway (35 MPG vs. 31 MPG). Priced slightly higher at $52,000 against the BMW's $50,600 MSRP, the Audi occupies a less efficient but more potent segment. Furthermore, the BMW offers nearly double the practicality with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3’s minimal 8.3 cu ft, emphasizing a trade-off between raw power and utility/economy across the core specifications.

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 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the Audi S3’s 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is clearly better for families, offering 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the 8.3 cu ft available in the Audi S3.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S3

The 2026 Audi S3 is the choice for driving enthusiasts, achieving 328 horsepower, significantly higher than the BMW's 255 horsepower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe provides better overall value, offering significantly more cargo space and 4 more MPG for a lower MSRP of $50,600 compared to the Audi’s $52,000.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

You prioritize immediate acceleration and maximum power output, favoring the S3's 328 hp rating.
You prefer the precise shift action of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over the BMW's 8-speed automatic.
You need the compact footprint of the S3's 177.4-inch length for easier urban parking.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You require substantial luggage capacity, as the 4 Series Gran Coupe provides 16.6 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
You seek lower running costs through better fuel efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG.
You prefer the standardized power delivery and wider gear ratio spread of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S3	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Length	177.4"	188.5"
Width	71.5"	72.9"
Height	55.7"	56.8"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.4"

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	3
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 Multi-Adjustable 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	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.5/449.5 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	✓	✓
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
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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	—	✓
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.	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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/40R18	245/45R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 S3 and 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Which vehicle is significantly quicker off the line?

The 2026 Audi S3 is expected to be significantly quicker due to its 73-horsepower advantage, producing 328 hp compared to the 4 Series Gran Coupe's 255 hp, assuming comparable traction management from both AWD and RWD setups.

How does the cargo capacity difference impact utility?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers 16.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is exactly double the 8.3 cu ft provided by the Audi S3 sedan body style. This major difference means the BMW is far superior for hauling luggage or equipment.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2026 Audi S3 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe explicitly require premium unleaded fuel, negating a running cost advantage for either model on fuel grade.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the two models?

The Audi S3 uses all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe utilizes a standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Is the lower MSRP of the BMW reflected in the overall cost of ownership?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has a $1,400 lower MSRP ($50,600 vs. $52,000) and achieves 4 more miles per gallon combined, suggesting a better initial purchase price and lower fuel expenses over time.

How wide are these two comparable sedans?

The width difference is minimal, with the BMW measuring 72.9 inches and the Audi S3 measuring 71.5 inches, making both relatively narrow for modern vehicles, though the BMW is slightly broader.