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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Audi A1 comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 20,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Audi A1?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Audi A1: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • substantially more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Audi A1 is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,000 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 19,971 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Audi A1 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 L/100km.

A1

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers substantially more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 323 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Audi A1 takes 6.5 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers substantially more torque with 700 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 380 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A1 is clearly lighter – 1,175 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 400 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers markedly more boot space – 480 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 145 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries only slightly more – 495 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 25 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon holds a decisive overall lead 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.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range 96 - 101 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

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Reviews Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Audi A1

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
20,000 - 28,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
118 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,175 - 1,365 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
335 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,740 - 1,756 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
410 - 470 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
BMW
Brand
Audi
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.