2023 Audi A4 vs. BMW 3 Series: Comparing Affordable Luxury Sedans
Drivers in the market for a small, luxury sedan have scant few choices left these days. Two of the more popular options are the 2023 Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Both offer a good balance of comfort and performance, but getting the right fit means doing some more digging. Here we have the pros and cons of both the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series to determine which model is the better value.
Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series performance comparison
When you consider what comes under the hood, the scales tip toward BMW rather than Audi. The 2023 Audi A4 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the new BMW 3 Series features a 2.0-liter turbo churning out 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
Driving dynamics and handling depend on what you want out of your sport-luxury sedan. The A4 comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive. If you live in the northern part of the country, it’s probably the right choice for dealing with winter weather. However, the rear-wheel drive setup of the BMW 3 Series gives it the balance and feel of a true sports car. We believe that overall, this tips things slightly in favor of the Audi, but truly it’s a game of personal preference.
Fuel economy tips toward the BMW as well, but only when considered in stock form. The Audi A4 all-wheel drive setup offers 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the two-wheel drive BMW earns an extra mpg in each category. That said, when the 3 Series is equipped with xDrive, fuel economy is level between the two models.
Upgraded performance options
Performance options in the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 give each model more power, though the BMW adds a few more tricks in the process. The BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, you gain the capability of running on electric power alone for up to 31 miles.
The Audi A4, meanwhile, offers a tuned-up version of their 2.0-liter turbo giving you 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Not only is that less power than the Bavarian compact’s upgrade, but you won’t get the hybrid capabilities, either.
Interior Space and Comfort
When you get inside, the comparison between the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series boils down to what you value in a luxury car. If it’s premium materials you want, the real leather upholstery and wood grain trim of the Audi make it a winner.
On the other hand, the BMW 3 Series offers more cargo space (13 cu. ft. vs 12 cu. ft.) and more front headroom (38.7” vs 37.3”) than the Audi A4.
In terms of features, the Audi starts to take a more distinct lead. The A4 comes standard with heated seats and is available with ventilated chairs, according to Edmunds. The 3 Series, however, makes even heated seats an option and has no ventilated seat package available.
What’s the Verdict?
Deciding between the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series truly depends on what you’re looking for. If it were our money, the A4 with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo is the better value. It gives you more standard luxury and nearly the same level of performance, plus Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. Still, you can’t deny the fun factor of the sport-oriented BMW 3 Series. For drivers that care more about dynamics than outright comfort, that may be the model to bring home.
Comparing the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4
| BMW 3 Series | Audi A4 | |
| Base Price | $42,300 | $39,900 |
| Horsepower | 255 | 261 |
| Torque | 295 | 273 |
| Drive Type: | RWD (AWD Opt.) | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway | 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway |
| Cargo Space | 13 cu. ft. | 12 cu. ft. |
| Front Headroom | 38.0 in | 37.3 in |
| Front Legroom | 42.0 in | 41.3 in |
| Rear Headroom | 37.6 in | 37.4 in |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.7 in |
