BMW M3 Competition xDrive vs Audi A3 35 TFSI

Comparison winners

4 metrics
0-100 winner BMW M3 Competition xDrive 3.4 s Runner-up: 8.4 s
Power winner BMW M3 Competition xDrive 530 hp Runner-up: 150 hp
Cargo winner BMW M3 Competition xDrive 480 L Runner-up: 380 L
Price winner Audi A3 35 TFSI $35,400 Runner-up: $80,900

How the specs compare

This comparison sets the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive against the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI. Both belong to the sedan class, so their dimensions, performance and utility figures address a broadly similar type of car. Both use petrol powertrains, allowing a relatively direct comparison of the recorded energy figures.

Performance, power and 0-100 km/h

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 3.4 seconds, compared with 8.4 seconds for 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI. 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive has the higher listed output at 530 hp; 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI is rated at 150 hp, a difference of 380 hp. The torque figures follow 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive at 650 Nm and 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI at 250 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.

Range, battery, charging and efficiency

2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI has the lower recorded consumption at 6.5 L/100km; 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive is listed at 10.2 L/100km. Test cycle, temperature, wheel size and charging conditions can materially affect these results, so only figures measured on the same basis should be treated as directly comparable.

Dimensions, cargo space and towing

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 480 litres versus 380 litres, a difference of 100 litres. 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive is 451 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.

Price and overall assessment

2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI has the lower listed starting price at $35,400, compared with $80,900 for 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive. 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.

Prepared by CarsbySpec from the structured specifications displayed on this page. Missing values are not estimated, and component figures are not treated as directly comparable system figures. Read the methodology.

Specification BMW M3 Competition xDrive2026 Audi A3 35 TFSI2025
Performance
0-100 km/h3.4 s8.4 s
Top Speed290 km/h222 km/h
Power530 hp150 hp
Torque650 Nm250 Nm
Range & Efficiency
Fuel Tank59 L50 L
Efficiency10.2 L/100km6.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions232 g/km148 g/km
Size & Capacity
Length4,794 mm4,343 mm
Ground Clearance120 mm132 mm
Cargo480 L380 L
Curb Weight1,770 kg1,350 kg
Seats55
Turning Circle12.2 m10.9 m
Starting MSRP$80,900$35,400

BMW M3 Competition xDrive vs Audi A3 35 TFSI questions answered

Which is faster, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 3.4 seconds, versus 8.4 seconds for 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI.

Which has the higher top speed, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive has the higher listed top speed at 290 km/h (180 mph), compared with 222 km/h (138 mph).

Which has more horsepower, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive has more power at 530 hp, a 380 hp advantage over 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI.

Which has more cargo or boot space, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive has more listed cargo space at 480 litres (17.0 cu ft), versus 380 litres (13.4 cu ft).

Which is heavier, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive is heavier at 1,770 kg (3,902 lb), while 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI is listed at 1,350 kg (2,976 lb).

Which is cheaper, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI has the lower recorded starting MSRP at $35,400 USD, compared with $80,900 USD for 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive. Regional pricing and equipment can differ.

Which is better, the 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive or the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI?

2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. This comparison is based on recorded specifications rather than a road test, so the right choice depends on the buyer's priorities.