BMW M3 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 M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Audi A5 opens at $79,900. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $83,800.
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 $180,070 and $87,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A5 by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M3 and Audi A5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW M3 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 M3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M3 and 7 in the Audi A5. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW M3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M3 features a 12.3-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 M3 stands out with panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi A5. The Audi A5 counters with Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Audi A5 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW M3 and 3-zone in the Audi A5.
Drivetrain
The BMW M3 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 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 M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M3 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 M3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 400L in the Audi A5, giving the BMW M3 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 $2,879/year for the BMW M3 and $1,967/year for the Audi A5. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M3) vs $1,967 (Audi A5). The Audi A5 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 (BMW M3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 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 M3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Audi A5 will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M3 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 M3 and Audi A5?
The Audi A5 is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $83,800.
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 M3 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 M3 has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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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