Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi A4
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
2.0L TFSI turbo petrol with Audi valvelift
140kW
5.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 3 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Audi A4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A4 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi A4 uses a 2.0L TFSI turbo petrol with Audi valvelift producing 140kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic dual-clutch to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 3 Series is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A4 measures 4,726mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 13mm longer than the BMW 3 Series at 4,713mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Audi A4 and 480L in the BMW 3 Series.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,568/year for the Audi A4 and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Audi A4.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Audi A4) vs $1,853 (BMW 3 Series). The Audi A4 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A4 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Audi A4 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A4 uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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