BMW M3 vs Audi RS7
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 RS7 opens at $248,500. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $84,800.
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 $273,350 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M3 by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW M3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Audi RS7. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 RS7 responds with a Petrol making 463kW and 850Nm, paired to a 8-speed tiptronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
The Audi RS7 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 353kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS7 is 0.1s 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, 300mm shorter than the Audi RS7 at 5,009mm (2,928mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RS7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 535L in the Audi RS7, giving the Audi RS7 a 55L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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 $3,306/year for the Audi RS7. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the BMW M3.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M3) vs $3,306 (Audi RS7). The BMW M3 saves you roughly $427 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 (Audi RS7). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RS7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS7 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW M3 will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi RS7 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 RS7?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS7 by $84,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M3 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi RS7 has the largest boot at 535L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS7 makes the most power at 463kW. The Audi RS7 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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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