Audi A6 vs BMW M3
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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi A6 starts from $123,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW M3 opens at $163,700. That makes the Audi A6 the more affordable entry point by $40,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $135,960 and $180,070 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A6 by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A6 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A6 stands out with wireless charging and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the BMW M3. The BMW M3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A6 gets leather upholstery while the BMW M3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A6 and 2-zone in the BMW M3.
Drivetrain
The Audi A6 uses a Diesel producing 210kW and 620Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.
The BMW M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A6 measures 4,939mm long on a 2,924mm wheelbase, 230mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Audi A6 and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Audi A6 a 50L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Audi A6 and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Audi A6.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Audi A6) vs $2,879 (BMW M3). The Audi A6 saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A6 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A6 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi A6 will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi A6 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A6 and BMW M3?
The Audi A6 is the cheapest at $123,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $40,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A6 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A6 has the largest boot at 530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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