Audi RS3 vs BMW 540i
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2023 BMW 540i
Overview
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | RS 3 Sedan | 540i |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Model year | 2026 | 2023 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $66,100 | $61,600 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp (best) | 335 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (best) | 331 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I5 | I6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 18.7 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | 809 lbs |
| Curb weight | 3,627 lbs (best) | 3,957 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 117.1 in (best) |
| Length | 178.5 in | 195.8 in (best) |
| Width | 72.9 in | 73.5 in (best) |
| Height | 54.8 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| 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 RS3 | BMW 540i |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS 3 Sedan $66,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 540i $61,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) |