BMW 3 Series vs Audi A6

The BMW 3 Series starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi A6 opens at $123,600. That makes the BMW 3 Series the more affordable entry point by $33,700.

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 $98,890 and $135,960 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW 3 Series and 92% for the Audi A6.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A6 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 A6. The Audi A6 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 3 Series misses.

The BMW 3 Series features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A6 gets a 10.1-inch display. 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 A6. The Audi A6 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, 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.

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 A6 responds with a Diesel MHEV making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The Audi A6 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A6 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 230mm shorter than the Audi A6 at 4,939mm (2,924mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A6 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 530L in the Audi A6, 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.

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 A6. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Audi A6.

Estimated annual total: $2,024 (BMW 3 Series) vs $1,967 (Audi A6). The Audi A6 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 A6). Both match on warranty length.