Audi A4 B9 vs BMW M3 G80

Audi A4

B9 · 2015 – 2024

The fifth-generation A4 (B9), on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.

BMW M3

G80 · 2021 – 2026

The current M3 (G80), BMW’s high-performance saloon on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A4

Pick the A4 for class-leading interior quality, a quiet ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (190 hp diesel) or 40 TFSI (190 hp petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW M3

Pick the G80 for the first M3 with optional M xDrive and a manual base variant — S58 pace with everyday saloon practicality.

Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M3 Competition · Petrol

	Audi A4	BMW M3
Power	190 hp	510 hp Winner
Torque	320 Nm	650 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,3 s	3,9 s Winner
Top speed	240 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	129,3 hp/t	286,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	137 g/km Winner	230 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,0 L/100km Winner	10,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A4	BMW M3
Boot	480 L	480 L
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m	2,86 m Winner
Length	4,73 m	4,79 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	12,0 cm
Turning circle	11,6 m Winner	12,2 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.700 kg Winner	0 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A4	BMW M3
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	CLAR (G80, rear-wheel drive or xDrive)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 40/45 TFSI e PHEV	S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A4

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early 2.0 TDI
AdBlue/SCR issues on EA288 diesels
MMI (MIB2) infotainment can reboot or freeze

BMW M3

Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
Oil-cooler or seal sweating (early cars)
Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)

Pros

Audi A4

Class-leading interior quality & finish
Efficient, quiet EA288 diesel
Composed ride with optional quattro

BMW M3

Rear-wheel drive retains classic M balance
xDrive versions are quicker and more secure in poor grip
Usable rear seats and a 480 L boot for a performance saloon

Cons

Audi A4

Firm ride on S line + big wheels
Less engaging steering than the 3 Series

BMW M3

Big and heavy (~1,705–1,940 kg)
Firm ride, especially in stiffer settings

Driving experience

Audi A4

What defines the B9 is how quietly it gets on with the job. The cabin is hushed, the ride composed, and quattro ultra shuffles torque between the axles without ever letting on, giving a planted, almost understeer-free security. Steering is accurate but deliberately light and never asks much of you. Engines are the real story: the 2.0 TFSI is brisk and tractable, the 2.0 TDI the sensible long-distance choice, and the 3.0 TDI V6 pulls like a locomotive with the manners of a far larger car. The S tronic snaps through gears crisply; the tiptronic simply dissolves them. What you give up in steering feel you win back in effortless progress.

BMW M3

Powerful, refined and highly capable. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a highly versatile high-performance saloon that balances dynamics with everyday usability better than many predecessors.