BMW 6 Series vs Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 6 Series, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 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 6 Series | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 39 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 31 mpg | 41 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,050 | $1,900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 361 g/mi | 138 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | 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 | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2019 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 55 | 36 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
6 Series vs A3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 6 Series or the Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 6 Series, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 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 $3,050 for the BMW 6 Series — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.
What engines do the 6 Series and A3 offer?
BMW 6 Series: SIDI. Audi A3: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 6 Series and the Audi A3 as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More 6 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-6-series-vs-audi-a3