Audi S3 Quattro Stronic (245kw) 2025 vs BMW I4 Edrive35 2025

Q: Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or I4?

The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the I4 uses 15.0 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The S3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.

Q: Which has more power, the S3 or I4?

The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the I4 delivers 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.

Q: What is the price difference between the S3 and I4?

The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the I4 from R1 500 000. The S3 is cheaper by R393 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Q: Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or I4?

The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the I4 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.

Audi S3

Quattro Stronic (245kw)

From R1 106 100

★ Our Pick

View Full Specs →

BMW I4

Edrive35

From R1 500 000

View Full Specs →

At a Glance

Power

245 kW

210 kW

Torque

420 Nm

400 Nm

Fuel

7.8 l/100km

15.0 kWh/100km l/100km

Towing

—

1600 Kg

0-100 km/h

4.7 s

6.0 s

Engine

1984 cc

electric cc

Choosing between the Audi S3 and the BMW I4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the BMW I4 produces 210 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the I4 uses 15.0 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R1 500 000 for the I4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.

Performance

Power Output

245 kW

210 kW

Torque

420 Nm

400 Nm

0-100 kph

4.7 s

6.0 s

Top Speed

250 Km/h

190 Km/h

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine Capacity

1984 cc

electric cc

Engine Layout

inline

—

Cylinders

—

Fuel Type

petrol

electric

Forced Induction Device

turbocharger

—

Transmission

automatic

Number of Gears

Drive Wheels

all

rear

Full Time 4x4

✓ Standard

—

Fuel Economy

Fuel Consumption Average

7.8 l/100km

15.0 kWh/100km l/100km

Fuel Tank Capacity

55 l

70.3 kWh l

CO2 Emissions

181 g/km

Dimensions

Length

4504 mm

4783 mm

Width

1816-1984 mm

1852-2073 mm

Height

1415 mm

1448 mm

Wheelbase

2630 mm

2856 mm

Ground Clearance

—

125 mm

Kerb Weight

1495 Kg

1995 DIN / 2070 EU Kg

Doors

Seats

Load Volume

325 l

470-1290 l

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

—

1600 Kg

Load Capacity

—

555 lkg

Safety

ABS

✓ Standard

EBD

✓ Standard

Brake Assist

✓ Standard

Stability Control

✓ Standard

Traction Control

✓ Standard

Airbag Count

6 (opt 8)

Driver Airbag

✓ Standard

Passenger Airbag

✓ Standard

Side Airbags Front

✓ Standard

Curtain Airbags

✓ Standard

Features & Tech

Air Conditioning

✓ Standard

Climate Control

✓ Standard

Cruise Control

✓ Standard

Optional

Adaptive Cruise Control

✓ Standard

Optional

Bluetooth

✓ Standard

Satellite Navigation

Optional

✓ Standard

Reversing Camera

✓ Standard

Park Distance Rear

✓ Standard

Park Distance Front

✓ Standard

Sunroof

✓ Standard

Heated Seats

Optional

Keyless Entry

Optional

✓ Standard

Tow Bar

—

Optional

Alloy Wheels

✓ Standard

Warranty & Service

Warranty Period

2 vehicle / 8 battery

Warranty Distance

unlimited Km

unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km

Service Intervals

service interval indicator (max 30000)

service interval indicator

The Verdict

Which Wins?

Overall Winner

Audi S3

3 / 4 categories

Performance

Fuel Economy

Value

Practicality

Pros & Cons

Audi S3

+More powerful engine (245 kW)

+Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)

+Lower starting price (R1 106 100)

+Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)

-Few notable weaknesses

BMW I4

+Well-rounded specification

-Higher fuel consumption (15.0 kWh/100km l/100km)

-Less power than rival (210 kW vs 245 kW)

-Higher starting price

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or I4?

The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the I4 uses 15.0 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The S3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.

Which has more power, the S3 or I4?

The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the I4 delivers 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.

What is the price difference between the S3 and I4?

The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the I4 from R1 500 000. The S3 is cheaper by R393 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or I4?

The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the I4 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.

Should I buy the S3 or the I4?

It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.

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