Audi A3 vs BMW i4
The BMW i4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 39 mpg for the Audi A3, a 81 mpg advantage and costs about $1,250 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the BMW i4 leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi A3 | BMW i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 39 mpg | 120 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg | 122 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 41 mpg | 119 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,900 | $650 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 138 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity | Electricity |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2022–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 36 | 33 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
A3 vs i4: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Audi A3 or the BMW i4?
The BMW i4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 39 mpg for the Audi A3, a 81 mpg advantage and costs about $1,250 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW i4 runs about $650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,900 for the Audi A3 — a difference of roughly $1,250 per year.
What engines do the A3 and i4 offer?
Audi A3: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0. BMW i4: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Audi A3 and the BMW i4 as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
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