Audi RS3 vs BMW 540i xDrive
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 BMW 540i xDrive
Overview
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i xDrive540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | RS 3 Sedan | 540i xDrive |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all 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 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i xDrive540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $66,100 (best) | $67,700 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i xDrive540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | 15.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i xDrive540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp (best) | 375 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I5 | I6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i xDrive540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 18.4 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs | 999 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,627 lbs (best) | 4,370 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.1 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 117.9 in (best) |
| Length | 178.5 in | 199.2 in (best) |
| Width | 72.9 in | 74.8 in (best) |
| Height | 54.8 in | 59.6 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi RS3RS 3 Sedan | BMW 540i xDrive540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS 3 Sedan $66,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 540i xDrive $67,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
Audi RS3 vs BMW 540i xDrive FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2027 BMW 540i xDrive?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi RS3 vs 2027 BMW 540i xDrive 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 2027 BMW 540i xDrive?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Audi RS3 starts lower at $66,100.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2027 BMW 540i xDrive?
- The 2026 Audi RS3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (66,100).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2027 BMW 540i xDrive?
- The 2027 BMW 540i xDrive leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi RS3 or 2027 BMW 540i xDrive?
- The 2026 Audi RS3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (394).