Audi A6 C8 vs BMW M3 G80

Audi A6

C8 · 2018 – 2025

The fifth-generation A6 (C8), on MLB Evo.

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 A6

Pick the C8 for the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid and quattro — ideally a car with the MIB3 software updates applied.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (diesel) or 45 TFSI (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 45 TFSI · Petrol vs M3 Competition · Petrol

	Audi A6	BMW M3
Power	245 hp	510 hp Winner
Torque	370 Nm	650 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,0 s	3,9 s Winner
Top speed	250 km/h	250 km/h
Power-to-weight	148,5 hp/t	286,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	160 g/km Winner	230 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	7,1 L/100km Winner	10,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A6	BMW M3
Boot	530 L Winner	480 L
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,86 m
Length	4,94 m	4,79 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	12,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	12,2 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	0 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A6	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 · EA839 3.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 55 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 A6

48V mild-hybrid (BSG): belt-starter-generator needs checking on early cars
MMI touch (MIB3): software bugs and reboots on early C8 cars
AdBlue/SCR on 2.0 TDI diesels with mainly short trips

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 A6

Dual-screen MMI touch cockpit
55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
3.0 TFSI (55) has 340 hp

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 A6

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts saloon boot space down to 360 litres
Gloss-black interior plastics and dual touchscreens show fingerprints easily

BMW M3

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

Driving experience

Audi A6

Comfortable, quiet and genuinely refined. The A6 rides with excellent isolation, steers accurately with light weighting, and cruises with the calm composure expected of a large executive saloon. Front-drive versions are efficient; quattro adds traction and security. The 2.0 TFSI is smooth, the 3.0 TDI V6 is the long-distance workhorse, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The S tronic is quick, the tiptronic smooth. It is a tech-heavy, comfort-first executive car that does long distances with little effort.

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.