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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Audi A3 Limousine comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 400 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 27,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Audi A3 Limousine?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Audi A3 Limousine: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

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

Audi A3 Limousine

  • considerably cheaper
  • slightly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

3 Series Saloon

The Battle of German Engineering: Audi A3 Limousine vs. BMW 3er Limousine

In the realm of compact luxury sedans, the Audi A3 Limousine and the BMW 3er Limousine are two formidable contenders. With the 2024 models gracing the roads, both automobiles embody the pinnacle of German automotive engineering. Let's delve into their technical aspects and innovations to see how they stack up against each other in this closely fought contest.

A3 Limousine

Engine and Performance: Precision and Power

The Audi A3 Limousine offers a diverse array of engine choices, including diesel, petrol, and petrol mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) options, pushing the boundaries of efficiency and performance. Power ranges from a modest 116 HP for its diesel iteration to an exhilarating 400 HP in the high-performance variant. Acceleration capabilities reflect this diversity, spanning from a leisurely 10.1 seconds to a remarkable 3.8 seconds to hit 100 km/h.

The BMW 3er Limousine, on the other hand, raises the stakes with its array of engine types, including diesel MHEV, petrol, plug-in hybrid, and petrol MHEV. The engine power spectrum is broader, with outputs from 150 HP all the way up to a roaring 530 HP. Acceleration is similarly impressive, with the most agile variant clocking in at just 3.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

3 Series Saloon

Design and Dimensions: Sleek Lines and Spacious Interiors

The Audi A3's dimensions convey compact elegance, measuring between 4504 mm and 4533 mm in length, and featuring a stylish width of 1816 mm to 1851 mm. It comfortably seats five, and while its trunk capacity ranges from 321 liters to 425 liters, its sleek silhouette remains consistent.

In contrast, the BMW 3er boasts a slightly larger stature, ranging in length from 4713 mm to 4801 mm, offering a more spacious feel both outside and inside. Its trunk capacity flexes impressive utility, from 375 liters to a generous 480 liters—great for those who seek roomy luggage space in a high-performance sedan.

A3 Limousine

Innovations and Technology: Leading the Charge

Both the Audi A3 Limousine and the BMW 3er Limousine showcase advancements in automotive technology. The Audi employs its MHEV systems to optimize fuel efficiency, bringing down consumption to 4.8 L/100km at its most efficient. Meanwhile, the BMW 3er takes it a step further with its plug-in hybrid option, which can achieve fuel consumption as low as 0.8 L/100km, paired with an electric range reaching up to 101 kilometers.

3 Series Saloon

Conclusion: Tailoring Luxury to Your Liking

Ultimately, choosing between the Audi A3 Limousine and the BMW 3er Limousine depends on prioritizing different features. The Audi excels in combining style and a rich palette of performance options with an emphasis on agile urban driving. Meanwhile, the BMW offers robust power options and a touch of future-forward technology with its hybrid models, catering to those who demand versatile performance with an eco-conscious approach.

Both of these German masterpieces—whether you're drawn to Audi's clean sophistication or BMW's dynamic prowess—redefine luxury in the compact sedan segment, ensuring every journey is an experience to remember.

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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 A3 Limousine is considerably cheaper – starting at 27,700 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,257 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Audi A3 Limousine with 4.4 L/100km. The difference is about 2 L/100km.

A3 Limousine

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 markedly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 130 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Audi A3 Limousine takes 3.8 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Limousine is slightly lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 215 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers moderately more boot space – 480 L compared to 425 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries only slightly more – 495 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 15 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is decisively ahead 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
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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Audi A3 Limousine

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

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Audi A3 Limousine

The Audi A3 sedan dresses up compact practicality in clean, premium lines, giving you the feel of an upscale small car with a proper boot. Inside it’s neat, driver-focused and nicely finished — a sensible, enjoyable daily companion that prefers poise over showy theatrics.

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Reviews Audi A3 Limousine

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Audi A3 Limousine

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
27,700 - 94,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.4 - 9.2 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
115 - 208 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,640 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
321 - 425 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
415 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E, G
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.