BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4 2026: Performance & Features | A Versus B

A Versus B

automotive

BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4

Updated June 29, 2026

The BMW 3 Series offers sharper handling and a more powerful base engine (255 hp vs 201 hp), while the Audi A4 delivers superior interior technology and a more refined, comfortable ride quality for daily driving.

BMW 3 Series

German sport sedan with sharp handling and powerful turbocharged engines.

Drivers who prioritize performance, handling dynamics, and enthusiasts who want a sport-oriented sedan with premium acceleration.

Score63%

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VS

Audi A4

Luxury sedan combining refined comfort with advanced technology and excellent efficiency.

Luxury buyers who value comfort, technology integration, efficiency, and prefer a refined daily driver over outright performance metrics.

Score63%

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Quick Answer

AI Summary

The BMW 3 Series offers sharper handling and a more powerful base engine (255 hp vs 201 hp), while the Audi A4 delivers superior interior technology and a more refined, comfortable ride quality for daily driving.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

Choose the BMW 3 Series if you prioritize driving dynamics, sportier acceleration, and want the most cargo space in a compact sedan. Choose the Audi A4 if you value cutting-edge infotainment, superior interior refinement, better fuel efficiency, and prefer a more comfortable, technology-forward daily driver at a slightly lower price point.

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BMW 3 Series👑

9/10

vs

Audi A4

6/10

★

Choose BMW 3 Series if

👑 Best pick

Drivers who prioritize performance, handling dynamics, and enthusiasts who want a sport-oriented sedan with premium acceleration.

Choose Audi A4 if

Luxury buyers who value comfort, technology integration, efficiency, and prefer a refined daily driver over outright performance metrics.

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Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Base Engine Power:✓ BMW 3 Series wins(255 hp vs 201 hp)

🔹

0-60 mph (Base Model):✓ BMW 3 Series wins(5.8 seconds vs 6.3 seconds)

🔹

Standard Interior Technology:✓ Audi A4 wins(MMI (10.9" touchscreen with haptic feedback) vs iDrive 8 (12.3" touchscreen))

See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

9 numeric metrics compared

Metric	BMW 3 Series	Audi A4	Ratio
Base Engine Power Output(hp)	255 hp	201 hp	+27%
0-60 mph Acceleration (Base)(seconds)	5.8 seconds	6.3 seconds	-8%
EPA Combined Fuel Economy(mpg)	28 mpg	29 mpg	-3%
Trunk Cargo Space(cu ft)	16.5 cu ft	13.0 cu ft	+27%
Infotainment Display Size(inches)	12.3 inches	10.9 inches	+13%
0-60 Acceleration Time(seconds)	6.1 seconds	6.1 seconds
Combined Fuel Economy(MPG)	28 MPG	28 MPG
Engine Horsepower(hp)	252 hp	252 hp
Starting MSRP (2024)(USD)	$45,550	$45,550

Sourced from publicly available data · Jun 2026

Key Differences

7 attributes compared head-to-head

3BMW 3 Series

Evenly matched1 tie

3Audi A4

43%43%

BMW 3 Series

Attribute

Audi A4

255 hp🏆

Base Engine Power

201 hp

5.8 seconds🏆

0-60 mph (Base Model)

6.3 seconds

iDrive 8 (12.3" touchscreen)

Standard Interior Technology

MMI (10.9" touchscreen with haptic feedback)🏆

28 mpg combined

EPA Fuel Economy (Sedan FWD)

29 mpg combined🏆

16.5 cu ft🏆

Cargo Space

13.0 cu ft

$41,400

Starting Price (2026)

$40,800🏆

Yes, xDrive

Standard AWD Availability

Yes, Quattro

Base Engine Power

BMW 3 Series

255 hp🏆

Audi A4

201 hp

0-60 mph (Base Model)

BMW 3 Series

5.8 seconds🏆

Audi A4

6.3 seconds

Standard Interior Technology

BMW 3 Series

iDrive 8 (12.3" touchscreen)

Audi A4

MMI (10.9" touchscreen with haptic feedback)🏆

EPA Fuel Economy (Sedan FWD)

BMW 3 Series

28 mpg combined

Audi A4

29 mpg combined🏆

Cargo Space

BMW 3 Series

16.5 cu ft🏆

Audi A4

13.0 cu ft

Starting Price (2026)

BMW 3 Series

$41,400

Audi A4

$40,800🏆

Standard AWD Availability

BMW 3 Series

Yes, xDrive

Audi A4

Yes, Quattro

Full Comparison

Attribute	BMW 3 Series	Audi A4

Base Engine Power Output(hp)	255 hp	201 hp
0-60 mph Acceleration (Base)(seconds)	5.8 seconds	6.3 seconds
0-60 Acceleration Time(seconds)	6.1 seconds	—
Engine Horsepower(hp)	252 hp	—

EPA Combined Fuel Economy(mpg)	28 mpg	29 mpg
Combined Fuel Economy(MPG)	28 MPG	—

Trunk Cargo Space(cu ft)	16.5 cu ft	13.0 cu ft

Infotainment Display Size(inches)	12.3 inches	10.9 inches
Infotainment System	Virtual Cockpit with MMI Touch	—

Starting MSRP (2024)(USD)	$45,550	—

Transmission Type	7-speed S tronic automatic	—
Standard AWD System	Quattro AWD standard	—

EPA Warranty (Powertrain)(years/miles)	4 years / 50,000 miles	—

BMW 3 Series

Audi A4

Base Engine Power Output(hp)

255 hp

201 hp

0-60 mph Acceleration (Base)(seconds)

5.8 seconds

6.3 seconds

0-60 Acceleration Time(seconds)

6.1 seconds

—

Engine Horsepower(hp)

252 hp

—

EPA Combined Fuel Economy(mpg)

28 mpg

29 mpg

Combined Fuel Economy(MPG)

28 MPG

—

Trunk Cargo Space(cu ft)

16.5 cu ft

13.0 cu ft

Infotainment Display Size(inches)

12.3 inches

10.9 inches

Infotainment System

Virtual Cockpit with MMI Touch

—

Starting MSRP (2024)(USD)

$45,550

—

Transmission Type

7-speed S tronic automatic

—

Standard AWD System

Quattro AWD standard

—

EPA Warranty (Powertrain)(years/miles)

4 years / 50,000 miles

—

Visual Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes

Pros & Cons

10 pros·6 cons across both

BMW 3 Series

+5-3

63% positive

Pros

255 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine with 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds
Responsive steering and body control tuned for driver engagement
16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, largest in class
M Sport trim available with 503 hp inline-6 engine
Excellent resale value retention at 55% after 5 years

Cons

iDrive interface less intuitive than competitors despite latest 8 version
Higher maintenance costs averaging $650/year vs A4's $590/year
Road noise transmission notably higher than A4 in highway driving

Audi A4

+5-3

63% positive

Pros

Haptic-feedback MMI touchscreen is industry-leading in responsiveness and customization
201 hp base engine with Quattro AWD standard on most trims, improving traction
29 mpg combined EPA rating beats 3 Series by 1 mpg across all powertrains
Quieter cabin with 3-5 dB lower interior noise levels than competitor
Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard with 12.3" display is highly configurable

Cons

Base model feels underpowered compared to 3 Series in acceleration (0-60 in 6.3 seconds)
Only 13.0 cubic feet of trunk space, smallest of the three major competitors
Depreciation slightly faster at 52% retention after 5 years

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

The BMW 3 Series wins on performance metrics with a 255 hp base engine (vs 201 hp) and faster 0-60 acceleration of 5.8 seconds compared to 6.3 seconds. The 3 Series is also tuned for more responsive steering and sportier handling, while the A4 prioritizes comfort and refinement over outright performance.

Yes, the Audi A4 achieves 29 mpg combined EPA rating versus the BMW's 28 mpg, a 1 mpg advantage. The A4's efficiency advantage is modest but consistent across model years, though the 3 Series offers more powerful engines that justify slightly lower fuel economy.

The Audi A4's MMI system with haptic feedback touchscreen is widely praised as more intuitive and responsive than BMW's iDrive 8. While both offer comparable 12.3-inch displays, reviewers consistently rank Audi's interface as easier to use, though the BMW offers more customization options for power users.

The Audi A4 is notably quieter with 68 dB cabin noise versus the 3 Series' 72 dB at highway speeds, resulting in a more serene driving experience. The A4's suspension is also tuned for comfort over sportiness, making it the better choice for daily commuting and long-distance comfort.

The BMW 3 Series retains 55% of its value after 5 years, slightly better than the Audi A4's 52% retention. This 3-point advantage gives the 3 Series a modest edge in long-term ownership costs, though both are competitive within the luxury sedan segment.