Audi A3 8Y vs BMW 1 Series F40

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

The fourth-generation A3 (8Y), on the MQB Evo platform.

BMW 1 Series

F40 · 2019 – 2024

The third-generation 1 Series (F40), BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the A3 for a premium, digital interior and efficient engines in a compact hatch.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (1.5, 150 hp, 48V) or 35 TDI (2.0, 150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW 1 Series

Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.

Best engine: The 118i (petrol) or 118d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 evo 35 TFSI · Petrol vs B38 118i · Petrol

	Audi A3	BMW 1 Series
Power	150 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	220 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,4 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	224 km/h Winner	213 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,3 hp/t Winner	106,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	126 g/km	124 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km	5,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	BMW 1 Series
Boot	380 L	380 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,67 m Winner
Length	4,34 m	4,32 m
Ground clearance	14,0 cm	15,2 cm
Turning circle	11,0 m Winner	11,4 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg Winner	1.300 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	BMW 1 Series
Platform	MQB Evo (transverse)	UKL2/FAAR (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI 48V · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI · 40 TFSI e PHEV	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 48V mild-hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	7-speed DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

Infotainment software (early cars)
S tronic service (DQ200/DQ381)
48V system needs checking

BMW 1 Series

48V mild-hybrid system
Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking

Pros

Audi A3

Premium, digital interior
Efficient 48V mild-hybrid
Stiff, light MQB Evo body

BMW 1 Series

More cabin space than its predecessor
Premium interior
Efficient engines

Cons

Audi A3

Pricier than the VW Golf on the same platform
Rear seats tighter than some rivals

BMW 1 Series

Front-wheel drive (less playful than before)
Firm ride on M Sport

Driving experience

Audi A3

Precise, polished and genuinely premium for a compact hatch. Steering is quick and accurate, body control taut, and the A3 feels agile and planted through bends. Front-drive keeps it light and easy, while quattro adds tenacious grip and a more sure-footed feel on the faster versions. The ride is firm but composed, and the cabin stays impressively quiet for the class. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and eager, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 40 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and slick, the manual precise. Overall a refined, tech-rich compact that drives with real poise.

BMW 1 Series

Agile, sharp and impressively poised for a front-driver. Steering is quick, accurate and well-weighted, body control taut, and the 1 Series turns in keenly with little of the understeer you might expect. sDrive keeps it light and lively; xDrive on the M135i adds tenacious all-weather grip. The B38 triple is willing if a little coarse, the B48 four is smooth and eager, and the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay refined. The 7-speed dual-clutch is quick and slick. Overall a genuinely engaging hatch that feels more BMW than its platform suggests.