BMW 4 Series vs Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 4 Series, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Audi A3 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 4 Series | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 39 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 41 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $1,900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 285 g/mi | 138 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 160 | 36 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
4 Series vs A3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 4 Series or the Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 4 Series, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Audi A3 runs about $1,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the BMW 4 Series — a difference of roughly $550 per year.
What engines do the 4 Series and A3 offer?
BMW 4 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S. Audi A3: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the BMW 4 Series as Compact Cars and the Audi A3 as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More 4 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-4-series-vs-audi-a3