VS
At a Glance
Power
444hp
503hp @ 6250
Torque
443lb-ft
479lb-ft @ 2750
Fuel
23 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Engine
2.9 L/177ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi A6 and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A6 delivers 444hp while the BMW M3 produces 503hp @ 6250. On fuel, the A6 returns 23 mpg est. while the M3 uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $74,400 for the A6 and $80,200 for the M3. 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.
Specification
Audi A62.9 TFSI Prestige 2021 - From $74,400
BMW M3Competition Sedan 2025 - From $80,200
Performance
Power Output (hp)
444hp
503hp @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft)
443lb-ft
479lb-ft @ 2750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.9 L/177ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
V
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2020)mpg
16mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28 (2020)mpg
23mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.3gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195in
189.1in
Width (in)
74.3in
74.3in
Height (in)
56.9in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
115.3in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4486lbs
3891lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A6
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
A6
Value
A6
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($74,400)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW M3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or M3?
The A6 gets 23 mpg est. and the M3 gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A6 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 A6 or M3?
The A6 produces 444hp and 443lb-ft of torque while the M3 delivers 503hp @ 6250 and 479lb-ft @ 2750 of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and M3?
The A6 starts from $74,400 and the M3 from $80,200. The A6 is cheaper by $5,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A6 or the M3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.
Also Consider