DecodedCarsAudi S5 vs BMW 3 Series
2026 Audi S5 vs 2026 BMW 3 Series — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The BMW 3 Series is more fuel-efficient: 31 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $900 a year less in fuel for the BMW 3 Series (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Audi S5 is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 3 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 18).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi S5 is a midsize car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 190 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,464 lb.
The 2026 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,494 lb (3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2016 S5 and the 2024 3 Series have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 S5.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi S5 if…
- You want more room (5 in longer)
Choose the BMW 3 Series if…
- You want lower fuel bills (31 vs 23 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 18 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi S5
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 26% below the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 BMW 3 Series
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi S5 specs →Full 2026 BMW 3 Series specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →