BMW 3 Series vs Audi A5
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 BMW 3 Series starts from $94,700 before on-road costs, while the Audi A5 opens at $79,900. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $14,800.
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 $104,170 and $87,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW 3 Series and 87% for the Audi A5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A5 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW 3 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 3 Series and 7 in the Audi A5. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 3 Series misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi A5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi A5. The Audi A5 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 3 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi A5 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW 3 Series and 3-zone in the Audi A5.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Audi A5 responds with a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 150kW and 340Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 3 Series is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 53mm shorter than the Audi A5 at 4,762mm (2,821mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 400L in the Audi A5, giving the BMW 3 Series a 80L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,024/year for the BMW 3 Series and $1,967/year for the Audi A5. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (BMW 3 Series) vs $1,967 (Audi A5). The Audi A5 saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Audi A5 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 3 Series 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, BMW 3 Series and Audi A5?
The Audi A5 is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 3 Series by $14,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 3 Series and Audi A5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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 6s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
