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Which Miata is the Best Miata?2023 Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series
Titans of the Teutonic sport sedan segment, this 2023 Audi A4 vs. BMW 3-Series comparison looks at which classy four-door luxury liner does it best.
2023 Audi A4 vs. BMW 3 Series
Stalwarts of the German sports sedan segment, this 2023 Audi A4 vs. BMW 3 Series comparison looks at which mid-size luxury liner does premium best. The Audi A4 is deep in its fifth generation, which started back in 2016 and offers the German automaker’s famed Quattro AWD system on every model.
Exciting options include the souped-up S4 that lines up against BMW’s M340i and a rugged-ish Allroad wagon, something BMW cannot compete with. However, BMW’s current seventh-gen 3 Series is slightly newer, having arrived in 2018, sports more impressive technology, and offers the mighty M3. They’re both expensive, fast, and luxurious, but only one can claim the win here as we look at below.
Specs
The Audi A4 sedan and BMW 3 Series are about the same length with four doors, five seats, and a trunk. Audi offers their A4 in Allroad spec, which turns the sedan into a wagon with much more cargo space. Every A4 is fitted with Audi’s Quattro AWD running gear versus the RWD BMW 3 Series. However, all 3 Series – M3 included – can be fitted with AWD for an extra $2,000.
A turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 making 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque is fitted to all base A4 sedans. For an extra $700-$2,000, depending on trim, an upgraded version of this motor rated for 261 hp and 273 torques can be fitted. Or you can opt for an Allroad wagon, which comes exclusively with the more potent powertrain. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic routes power to all four corners regardless of which engine you choose. Fuel economy in base form is rated at 24/33 mpg in city/highway driving with the spicier model reducing the highway figure by one mpg.
BMW also fits its 330i with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, but it makes 255 horses and 295 lb-ft of twist. In 330e form, that mill is combined with a small battery-powered electric to form a PHEV variant good for 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both the 330i and 330e feature an 8-speed automatic that routes power to the front wheels or all four in “xDrive” format. An AWD 330i has identical fuel economy figures with the base A4 – 24/33 mpg in city/highway driving. Interestingly the PHEV 330e actually performs worse with a 28-mpg combined rating to the 330i’s 30-mpg.
Audi’s hot rod model is the S4 that features a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder rated for 349 horses and 369 torques. The comparable 3 Series is the M340i that also runs a blown six-cylinder, but cranks output up to 382 hp while matching the S4 on torque. Both of these setups work with an 8-speed automatic.
Audi S4 earns an EPA estimate of 21/30 mpg in city/highway driving while the M340i comes in at 23/31 mpg, respectively. In a league of its own is the BMW M3 that sports a 473-503 horsepower variant of the M340i engine with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. This thirsty screamer can only manage 16 mpg around town and 23 on the highway.
Driving and Performance
No matter what model A4 or 3 Series you choose, the handling will be athletic, the ride quality will be firm but not uncomfortable, and the acceleration will range from solid to stupendous. Every model in this comparison rides on a fully independent suspension with the Audi S4, BMW M240i, and M3 all featuring a sport-tuned setup and larger brakes to handle higher levels of power. With an extra inch or so of ground clearance, 6.5 in total, the Audi Allroad is the only option here to offer a modicum of rough road capability.
Acceleration in the 0-60 sprint ranges from just over six seconds for the base Audi A4 to the mid-fives for an Audi with the more powerful motor and BMW 330i/e twins. To drop down into the four-second range requires an Audi S4 or BMW M240i with BMW showing even faster runs to 60 mph when fitted with AWD. Only an M3, in Competition spec, can go from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, which is seriously fast. The overall setup on this hottest of 3 Series’ helps it earn a spot on our list of best-handling cars.
Comfort and Interior
Audi consistently earns accolades for the exacting level of craftsmanship and design of their vehicle cabins. The 2023 A4 is part of that conversation with elegant lines, real wood, and leather upholstery. Standard amenities include a sunroof, triple-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. As is a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, systems that we explain here.
As you move through the trim hierarchy, niceties like massaging and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof – exclusive to the Allroad – become available. Rear row legroom is competitive at 36 inches but the 12 cubic foot trunk is relatively tiny. For real cargo hauling needs, an Allroad can handle 24 cubes behind the rear seat or 58 with that row folded.
Though BMW does not offer a long-roof 3 Series variant, the trunk on most models is far bigger than the A4 at 17 cubic feet. However, the 330e PHEV variant maxes out at 13 cubes – all versions offer 35 inches of backseat legroom. The 3 Series has all the same standard cabin features as an Audi A4, except for heated front seats which require a package. The big news here is the Bimmers 12-inch fully digital gauge cluster and 15-inch infotainment display that blends together into one giant screen. It’s quite a bit more impressive than what Audi can muster.
Trims and Features
The entry-level Audi A4 Premium starts at $41,000 and comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, lane-departure warning, forward collision mitigation, and automatic high beams. For about $46,000, the Premium Plus model adds bigger wheels, parking sensors, a hands-free trunk, a 19-speaker stereo from Bang & Olufsen, and a deeper roster of driver aids.
These safety systems, which we explain here, include adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Top-spec Prestige models, which start near $52,000, bring navigation, a head-up display, and self-parking to the party. This 2023 Audi A4 review goes into more detail on what each trim line offers.
A base 2023 BMW 330i with AWD, to keep things apples-to-apples, starts at close to $47,000 or $6,000 more than the base A4. The main difference between the two is BMW’s aforementioned infotainment superiority and navigation is included. Forward collision mitigation is the only standard driver aid with blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert all requiring a package. The 3 Series also offers a HUD but does not have the option for a thumping sound system.
Rather than use trim levels, the 3-Series offers pricey packages. So, an AWD 330i with the three packages required to align it with a top-spec A4 Prestige would run you about $51,000 – which is much closer in price than the base models. The 330e PHEV mirrors the 330i in terms of content while the M340i and M3 offer similar features with a sportier flair. You can dive deeper on the 2023 BMW 3 Series trim levels here.
The Verdict
It’s tough to choose a winner in this Audi A4 vs. BMW 3 Series matchup as they’re both excellent cars. The Audi generally costs less and has the option for that gorgeous Allroad station wagon. But the BMW is more powerful across the board, dangles the potential for a federal tax-credit with the 330e PHEV variant, and supplies a manual transmission in the supercar-pretending-to-be-a-sedan M3. BMW also adds three years of complimentary maintenance to its warranty, something Audi doesn’t offer. Factor in the eye-popping infotainment goodies and the BMW 3 Series emerges as the victor.
