VS
At a Glance
Power
591hp @ 6000
473hp @ 6250
Torque
590lb-ft @ 2050
406lb-ft @ 2650
Fuel
18 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
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 591hp @ 6000 while the BMW M3 produces 473hp @ 6250. On fuel, the A6 returns 18 mpg est. while the M3 uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $116,500 for the A6 and $78,400 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
591hp @ 6000
473hp @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft)
590lb-ft @ 2050
406lb-ft @ 2650
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
18 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
16 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.3gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.7in
189.1in
Width (in)
76.8in
74.3in
Height (in)
58.6in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
115.3in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4982lbs
3840lbs
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ 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
BMW M3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A6
Fuel Economy
M3
Value
M3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (18 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Better fuel economy (20 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($78,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or M3?
The A6 gets 18 mpg est. and the M3 gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The M3 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 591hp @ 6000 and 590lb-ft @ 2050 of torque while the M3 delivers 473hp @ 6250 and 406lb-ft @ 2650 of torque. The A6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and M3?
The A6 starts from $116,500 and the M3 from $78,400. The M3 is cheaper by $38,100 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.