Audi A3 vs BMW 230i
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 BMW 230i
Overview
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | BMW 230i230i |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | 230i |
| Body style | Sedan | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | BMW 230i230i |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $35,800 (best) | $42,200 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | BMW 230i230i |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 37 MPG (best) | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.7 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | BMW 230i230i |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 255 hp (best) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | BMW 230i230i |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 10.9 cu ft | 13.8 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,329 lbs (best) | 3,446 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 107.9 in (best) |
| Length | 176.9 in | 179 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 72.4 in (best) |
| Height | 56.2 in (best) | 54.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | BMW 230i230i |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi A3 | BMW 230i |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $35,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 230i $42,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $39,400 MSRP | — |
Audi A3 vs BMW 230i FAQ
- Which is better: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 BMW 230i?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Audi A3 vs 2026 BMW 230i on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 BMW 230i?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Audi A3 starts lower at $35,800.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 BMW 230i?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (35,800).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 BMW 230i?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
- Which has better horsepower: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 BMW 230i?
- The 2026 BMW 230i leads on horsepower in this comparison (255).
- Which has better seats: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 BMW 230i?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Audi A3 vs 2026 BMW 230i?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).