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.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$94,700RRP
- no option data for this car
$79,900RRP
- with the BMW 3 Series's standard kit: $79,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
BMW 3 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006667 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may be able to enter the starter motor causing corrosion and result in the engine not starting.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2020
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- 6 more on the model page.
Audi A5
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001665 · published 3 Sep 2021Some nuts fitted to the rear axle assembly did not meet manufacturing specifications and may break.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2021
- REC-001650 · published 23 Jul 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2021
- 10 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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 — features our data doesn't list for 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 5.8 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 3 Series is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,713mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 116mm shorter than the Audi A5 at 4,829mm (2,892mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 445L in the Audi A5, giving the BMW 3 Series a 35L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg 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
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 $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series and $1,967/year for the Audi A5. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
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, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A5 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi A5: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 68
The Audi A5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 68), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Audi A5 ahead by 27), performance (BMW 3 Series ahead by 12), value (Audi A5 ahead by 4). The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $114 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 BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Audi A5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW 3 Series, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A5 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 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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