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) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $79,622 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $79,952 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $80,282 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
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 (best) | 1 |
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) |
Live inventory
Audi RS3 vs BMW 540i FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2023 BMW 540i?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi RS3 vs 2023 BMW 540i on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2023 BMW 540i?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2023 BMW 540i starts lower at $61,600. Live BMW 540i listings start at $79,622.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2023 BMW 540i?
- The 2023 BMW 540i leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (61,600).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2023 BMW 540i?
- The 2023 BMW 540i leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2023 BMW 540i?
- The 2026 Audi RS3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (394).