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Audi A3 Sportback vs BMW 2 Series - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (400 HP vs 530 HP), boot space and price (27000 £ vs 39200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or BMW 2 Series?

A3 Sportback

The Ultimate Hatchback-Coupe Showdown: Audi A3 Sportback vs BMW 2er Reihe

The automotive world presents an exquisite match-up between two iconic marques: the Audi A3 Sportback and the BMW 2er Reihe. Both cars have staked their claim with a unique blend of design, performance, and technological innovation. Let's delve deeper into what sets them apart and where they converge.

2 Series

Design and Body Type

The Audi A3 Sportback takes the form of a stylish 5-door hatchback, catering to those who value practicality without sacrificing design. In contrast, the BMW 2er Reihe presents itself as an alluring 2-door coupe, exuding a sporty and aggressive stance. The distinct designs are reflective of the core philosophies of their respective brands: Audi with its focus on versatility and BMW on performance-oriented aesthetics.

A3 Sportback

Engine and Performance Options

Audi offers a diverse range of engine options for the A3 Sportback, including petrol, mild hybrid (MHEV), diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious drivers. The performance spectrum stretches from 116 HP to a robust 400 HP. The engine sizes range from 1498 cm³ to 2480 cm³, with power outputs boosting up to 294 kW and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h taking as little as 3.8 seconds for its top model.

The BMW 2er Reihe presents petrol and diesel MHEV engines, with power figures ranging from 156 HP to an impressive 480 HP, backed by turbocharged technology. With engine capacities between 1998 cm³ and 2998 cm³, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in as quick as 4 seconds for its elite models, showcasing BMW's commitment to delivering exhilarating performance.

2 Series

Transmission and Drive Type

The Audi A3 Sportback continues its versatility with optional front-wheel and all-wheel drive systems. Transmission choices include both manual and dual-clutch automatic variants, offering drivers a balance between classic and modern driving experiences.

BMW emphasizes driving pleasure with its rear-wheel-drive layout for the 2er Reihe, with the option of all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. It features both manual and automatic gearboxes, providing enthusiasts with precise control or effortless shifting depending on preference.

A3 Sportback

Dimensions and Practicality

Measuring approximately 4353 mm in length and offering a trunk capacity up to 380 liters, the A3 Sportback stands out in its segment for its practicality. It's the ideal choice for those who require space without stepping into larger vehicle segments. The Audi seats five, aligning with its hatchback nature.

On the other hand, the BMW 2er Reihe, with a slightly longer length around 4548 mm and a trunk capacity of 390 liters, prioritizes style over storage. Its four-seat configuration underscores its coupe design, focusing on a more intimate driver-passenger experience.

2 Series

Technical Innovations and Efficiency

Both vehicles integrate cutting-edge technology into their design. The Audi A3 Sportback offers a range of hybrid engines with an electric range up to 143 km, underscoring its efficiency credentials with CO2 emissions starting at just 6 g/km for its plug-in hybrid variant. Meanwhile, the BMW 2er Reihe showcases CO2 efficiency with classes spanning from E to G, highlighting its robust performance engines which push efficiency barriers in their segments.

A3 Sportback

Conclusion: A Choice of Preferences

In the clash between the Audi A3 Sportback and the BMW 2er Reihe, the decision comes down to personal preferences. The A3 Sportback is perfect for those who prioritize practicality, efficiency, and a touch of luxury. Conversely, the BMW 2er Reihe caters to enthusiasts seeking performance, style, and a more focused driving experience. Regardless of choice, both cars are testaments to their manufacturers' legacy of excellence and innovation in the automotive world.

Audi A3 Sportback

BMW 2 Series

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

2 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Audi A3 Sportback has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 27000 £ , while the BMW 2 Series costs 39200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12171 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the BMW 2 Series with 4.90 L. The difference is about 3.80 L per 100 km.

A3 Sportback

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 2 Series has a distinct edge – offering 530 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 130 HP more horsepower.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 3.80 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

In terms of top speed, the BMW 2 Series performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Audi A3 Sportback tops out at 237 km/h. The difference is around 13 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 2 Series pulls clearly perceptible stronger with 650 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm difference.

2 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Audi A3 Sportback offers slightly more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is to a small extent lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1560 kg. The difference is around 200 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 2 Series offers hardly perceptible more room – 390 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 10 L.

When it comes to payload, Audi A3 Sportback to a small extent takes the win – 480 kg compared to 400 kg. That’s a difference of about 80 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 2 Series

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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from about £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 9.3 L
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series feels like a pocket rocket in smart clothes, delivering sharp handling and a premium cabin that turns everyday errands into something worth looking forward to. For buyers who crave a compact car with real driving character and a dash of German confidence, it’s a spirited choice that never takes itself too seriously.

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Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 2 Series

Costs and Consumption

Price
27000 - 56600 £
Price
39200 - 98600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 10 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
129 - 226 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
51 - 52 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
2
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1560 - 1830 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
390 L
Length
4352 - 4353 mm
Length
4537 - 4548 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1838 - 1887 mm
Height
1441 - 1470 mm
Height
1390 - 1404 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
350 - 400 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
156 - 530 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 8.7 s
Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
Max Speed
237 - 250 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
250 - 650 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
115 - 390 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, G
Brand
Audi
Brand
BMW
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.