BMW i3 vs Audi A6
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 i3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi A6 opens at $123,600. That makes the BMW i3 the more affordable entry point by $13,700.
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 $120,890 and $135,960 respectively.
The BMW i3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A6, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
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 BMW i3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi A6 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi A6. The Audi A6 counters with panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i3 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Audi A6 responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A6 is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i3 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 260L in the BMW i3 and 530L in the Audi A6, giving the Audi A6 a 270L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A6 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A6 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. 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, BMW i3 and Audi A6?
The BMW i3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A6 by $13,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A6 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i3 and Audi A6 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
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 i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The Audi A6 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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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