Audi S5 Sportback vs. BMW M3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi S5 Sportback and BMW M3 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 S5 Sportback and the BMW M3.
In comparing the Audi S5 Sportback's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the Audi S5 Sportback 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 and resale value. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi S5 Sportback's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the Audi S5 Sportback is a better car than the BMW M3.
Pricing: A used 2025 Audi S5 Sportback ranges from $57,398 to $69,067 while a used 2025 BMW M3 is priced between $81,919 to $109,870. For a new model, the Audi S5 Sportback's price is between $59,665 and $73,230, with the BMW M3 priced between $83,110 and $112,475.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi S5 Sportback loses 52 percent of its value and the BMW M3 loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Audi S5 Sportback retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW M3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi S5 Sportback’s base engine makes 349 horsepower, and the BMW M3 base engine makes 473 horsepower. The S5 Sportback is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 444 miles. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 359 miles. This gives the Audi S5 Sportback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW M3. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the BMW M3 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Audi S5 Sportback has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
59665 - 73230
Starting MSRP:
57900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
49451
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33000 - 79900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
83110 - 112475
Starting MSRP:
76700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
49451
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33000 - 79900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
61982
Price Range:
57398 - 69067
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
51959
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
34107 - 95081
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
95081
Price Range:
81919 - 109870
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
51959
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
34107 - 95081
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
30300
Depreciation %:
0.52331447
Resale Value $:
27600
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.51356376
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.34749831 - 0.55942423
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.51356376
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.34749831 - 0.55942423
Audi S5 Sportback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW M3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi S5 Sportback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 20.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 20.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.084654294855197
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.5 - 10.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.96382201764952
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.5 - 10.4
Audi S5 Sportback Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 36BMW M3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 32Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi S5 Sportback Trim Levels
3.0T quattro Premium, 3.0T quattro Premium Plus, 3.0T quattro Prestige
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Base, Competition, Competition 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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
349 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 3200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.089 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.123 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 29 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
306 / 444 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
250 / 359 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
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
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
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:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
21.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
95.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3924 lbs
Width:
79.9 inches
Height:
55.1 inches
Length:
187.6 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3840 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
189.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/35R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Green
District Green Metallic
Red
Progressive Red Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
Isle of Man Green Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic / Toronto Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
Yellow
Sao Paulo Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Rotor Gray
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Silverstone/Black
Blue
Fjord Blue/Black / Yas Marina Blue/Black w/ Yellow Accent
Brown
Tartufo
Orange
Kyalami Orange/Black
Red
Fiona Red/Black
White
Ivory White
