A5 vs 3 Series
Same class, different makers. The A5 (Audi) and the 3 Series (BMW) are built for the same kind of buyer. The numbers lean one way: the 3 Series comes out ahead in 1 of the 4 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 3 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.6
- Engine & Performance6.7
- Fuel Economy & Range9.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 3 Series has better fuel economy
The 3 Series clearly leads on fuel economy (combined), and 31 mpg versus 26 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The A5 has 13 hp more power
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the A5: 268 hp against 255 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 3 Series has better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the 3 Series posts 28 mpg against 22 mpg for the A5, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 3 Series has the better rating here.
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The 3 Series has better highway fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The 3 Series’s 35 mpg beats the A5’s 31 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A5 leads
On engine & performance, the A5 comes out slightly ahead. Here the A5 offers 13 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the A5.
Total system output
A5: 268 hp 3 Series: 255 hp The A5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
3 Series leads
The 3 Series dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The 3 Series pulls ahead with better fuel economy. The 3 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Net result: the 3 Series leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
A5: 26 mpg 3 Series: 31 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
A5: 22 mpg 3 Series: 28 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The A5 and the 3 Series match each other closely in this area. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the A5 and the 3 Series row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A5 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A5 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A5 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A5 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A5 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A5 if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 255 hp)
- you’re loyal to Audi and happy with it
Choose the 3 Series if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A5 or the 3 Series?
The 3 Series makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about 13 hp more power than anything else.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the A5 and the 3 Series purely on what they offer. What tips it for me is that the 3 Series has better fuel economy. Add better highway fuel economy to the list, and the 3 Series looks even better. I’ll admit the A5 has a point with 13 hp more power.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the A5; if they lean on fuel economy & range, the 3 Series.
My pick: the 3 Series. The A5 only comes out ahead if what you want most is 13 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.