Audi A6 vs. BMW 3 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A6 and BMW 3 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A6 and the BMW 3 Series.
When we compare the Audi A6's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Audi A6 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Audi A6's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the Audi A6.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A6 ranges from $48,368 to $72,144 while a used 2024 BMW 3 Series is priced between $42,839 to $64,993. For a new model, the Audi A6's price is between $62,042 and $68,761, with the BMW 3 Series priced between $47,938 and $68,399.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A6 loses 57.2 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 7.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A6.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A6 is 8.4 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Audi A6 being ranked 6 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A6 is 8.3 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A6.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A6’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The A6 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 637 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Audi A6 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi A6, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A6 and the BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$62,042 - $68,761
Starting MSRP:
$58,100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$47,938 - $68,399
Starting MSRP:
$44,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$60,397
Price Range:
$48,368 - $72,144
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
317
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,502
# Good or Great Deals:
54
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$50,648
Price Range:
$42,839 - $64,993
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
828
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
8,688
# Good or Great Deals:
217
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,762
Depreciation %:
58.1%
Resale Value $:
$24,338
Residual Value %:
41.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$22,483
Depreciation %:
50.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,017
Residual Value %:
49.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
Audi A6 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A6
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 3 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
12.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Audi A6 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Audi A6 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 45 TFSI, quattro Premium 55 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 45 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 55 TFSI, quattro Prestige 55 TFSI
BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 637 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 530 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
13.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4101 lbs
Width:
83.1 inches
Height:
57.4 inches
Length:
194.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3536 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Firmament Blue Metallic
Brown
Madeira Brown Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Manhattan Gray Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige w/ Agate Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
Brown
Okapi Brown w/ Steel Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red