Audi A6 vs BMW M3
Audi A6
The fifth-generation A6 on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.
VS
BMW M3
BMW’s high-performance saloon.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
Audi A6
Pick the A6 for a tech-forward interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.
Best engine: The 40 TDI (204 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
BMW M3
Pick the M3 for a powerful, versatile high-performance saloon with the S58 and a choice of manual or xDrive.
Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp).
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
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,90 m
|
| Height |
1,46 m
|
1,43 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A6 | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | CLAR (G80, shared with the 3 Series) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic (DSG) | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
Audi A6
- S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early 2.0 TDI
- AdBlue/SCR issues on EA288 diesels
- MMI touch (MIB3) infotainment can stutter
BMW M3
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
Pros
Audi A6
- Tech-forward interior with dual MMI touchscreens
- Efficient, quiet EA288 diesel
- Composed ride with optional adaptive air suspension
BMW M3
- Powerful, free-revving S58 twin-turbo
- Versatile: usable saloon with M performance
- Choice of manual, automatic and xDrive
Cons
Audi A6
- Touchscreen-only controls (less tactile than buttons)
- Firm ride on S line + big wheels
BMW M3
- Firm ride, especially in sportier settings
- Controversial vertical grille
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
Audi A6
30 for sale · from € 7.990
Audi A6 35 TDI · Business Edition · CarPlay · Navigation · LED
€ 35.990
Garage Carrera Cars
Garage Carrera Cars
Audi A6 30 TDI · plug-in hybrid · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 22.499
GDCauto
GDCauto
Audi A6 35 TDI · CarPlay · LED · Leather
€ 27.490
click2move by Declerc
click2move by Declerc
Audi A6 35 TDI · Camera · CarPlay · Navigation
€ 28.790
click2move by Declerc
click2move by Declerc
