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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Audi A8 comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 571 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 91,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Audi A8?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Audi A8: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • significantly cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
  • moderately more trunk space
details

Audi A8

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
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 key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the Audi A8 costs 91,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 51,429 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Audi A8 with 4.6 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers substantially more range – reaching up to 101 km, about 43 km more than the Audi A8.

A8

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 Audi A8 offers barely more power – delivering 571 HP compared to 530 HP. That’s roughly 41 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Audi A8 takes 3.8 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A8 delivers somewhat more torque with 800 Nm compared to 700 Nm. That’s about 100 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, BMW 3 Series Saloon is markedly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 2,035 kg. The difference is around 460 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers moderately more boot space – 480 L compared to 390 L. That’s a difference of about 90 L.

When it comes to payload, the Audi A8 carries visibly more – 700 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 205 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is far ahead 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.

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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Frequently compared as well

BMW 3 Series Saloon
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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Audi A8

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 A8

The Audi A8 arrives with the kind of quiet authority that makes other limousines feel like they’re trying too hard, offering a cabin wrapped in subtle luxury and tech that never demands attention. For buyers who want composed comfort and discreet status, it’s the sensible splurge that turns daily commutes into a private parade.

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Reviews Audi A8

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Audi A8

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
91,400 - 134,900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 11.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
58 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
105 - 260 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
2,035 - 2,415 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
390 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,945 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
525 - 700 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
286 - 571 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 5.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
500 - 800 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
210 - 420 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,967 - 3,996 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, C
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.