Audi S3 Sportback Quattro Stronic (245kw) 2025 vs BMW I4 M60 Xdrive 2025

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

The S3 uses 7.9 l/100km and the I4 uses 17.1 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 442 kW and 795 Nm of torque. The I4 is the more powerful option.

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

The S3 starts from R1 091 100 and the I4 from R1 750 000. The S3 is cheaper by R658 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

Sportback Quattro Stronic (245kw)

From R1 091 100

View Full Specs →

BMW I4

M60 Xdrive

From R1 750 000

View Full Specs →

At a Glance

Power

245 kW

442 kW

Torque

420 Nm

795 Nm

Fuel

7.9 l/100km

17.1 kWh/100km l/100km

Towing

—

1600 Kg

0-100 km/h

4.7 s

3.7 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 442 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.9 l/100km while the I4 uses 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 091 100 for the S3 and R1 750 000 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

442 kW

Torque

420 Nm

795 Nm

0-100 kph

4.7 s

3.7 s

Top Speed

250 Km/h

225 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

Full Time 4x4

✓ Standard

Fuel Economy

Fuel Consumption Average

7.9 l/100km

17.1 kWh/100km l/100km

Fuel Tank Capacity

55 l

83.9 kWh l

CO2 Emissions

183 g/km

Dimensions

Length

4351 mm

4783 mm

Width

1816-1984 mm

1852-2073 mm

Height

1438 mm

1448 mm

Wheelbase

2630 mm

2856 mm

Ground Clearance

—

125 mm

Kerb Weight

1495 Kg

2210 DIN / 2285 EU Kg

Doors

Seats

Load Volume

325-1145 l

470-1290 l

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

—

1600 Kg

Load Capacity

—

520 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

Tie

2 / 4 categories

Performance

Fuel Economy

Value

Practicality

Pros & Cons

Audi S3

+Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)

+Lower starting price (R1 091 100)

-Less power than rival (245 kW vs 442 kW)

BMW I4

+More powerful engine (442 kW)

+Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)

-Higher fuel consumption (17.1 kWh/100km l/100km)

-Higher starting price

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or I4?

The S3 uses 7.9 l/100km and the I4 uses 17.1 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 442 kW and 795 Nm of torque. The I4 is the more powerful option.

What is the price difference between the S3 and I4?

The S3 starts from R1 091 100 and the I4 from R1 750 000. The S3 is cheaper by R658 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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