BMW M vs Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the BMW M, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 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 M | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg | 39 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 41 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,900 | $1,900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 264 g/mi | 138 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium and Electricity, Premium | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 236 | 36 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
M vs A3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW M or the Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the BMW M, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 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 $2,900 for the BMW M — a difference of roughly $1,000 per year.
What engines do the M and A3 offer?
BMW M: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid. Audi A3: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW M and the Audi A3 as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More M comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-m-vs-audi-a3