BMW M3 vs Audi S5
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.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Audi S5 opens at $99,900. That makes the Audi S5 the more affordable entry point by $63,800.
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 $109,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi S5 by roughly $4,275 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
The BMW M3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi S5 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, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Audi S5. The Audi S5 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 S5 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW M3 and 3-zone in the Audi S5.
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 4.2 seconds.
The Audi S5 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 270kW and 550Nm, paired to a s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW M3 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M3 measures 4,801mm long on a 2,857mm wheelbase, 28mm shorter than the Audi S5 at 4,829mm (2,892mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi S5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 445L in the Audi S5, giving the BMW M3 a 35L advantage.
For towing, the Audi S5 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
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 $2,879/year for the BMW M3 and $2,024/year for the Audi S5. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Audi S5.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi S5). 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 S5 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 S5 will save you roughly $855 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 S5?
The Audi S5 is the cheapest at $99,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $63,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi S5 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Audi S5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW M3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
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 4.2s.
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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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