Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series | Edmunds A-Rated Luxury Sedans Face Off

Two cars and two Edmunds.com editors Face Off: the Audi A4 vs the BMW 3 Series. Editors James Riswick and Mike Monticello debate the merits of each sedan, including their performance, comfort, interior, value and how much (or little) they're fun to drive. Which luxury sedan would you buy: the A4 or 3 Series?
More Information:
Audi A4: www.edmunds.com/audi/a4/2015/?sub=sedan
BMW 3 Series: www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2015/?sub=sedan
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[@tonydano]

You are comparing a 3 year old A4 to the current 3-Series! wtf? This A4 has been out since 08.

[@andylie7699]

A4....

[@sturat18]

Well they can't exactly compare a 2016 A4 test mule, can they?

[@andylie7699]

Nope, the current 3 series has been around since 2012 anyway..

[@TrisGV]

My thoughts exactly, this comparison is not accurate nor fair.

[@Vic292]

Actually the Audi A4 in this video came out in 2009, not 2008.

[@ELENibiru]

I own both an A4 and 3 series & I'm telling you 3 reviewers just got a bmw was in their pockets bc there's no way in hell the bmw is the better of the 2. I own r titled 5 years older Audi that destroys my 325i in every imaginable way. As a true consumer/owner review, it's Audi by freaking far for the win.

[@naviboss1919]

I Prefer the Audi A4 .

[@youngjig4821]

Both female cars

[@Ramiz_Zmaj1996]

@@youngjig4821 hahah you famale to

[@QueefSniffer]

@@youngjig4821 you get no bitches huh 😂

[@jessesilva6171]

Rear wheel power aligned to that slick gearbox and a 50/50 weight ratio .... the 3 Series is still the king of this class.

[@swinglow33]

I prefer the A4 with Quattro all wheel drive. It out performs the BMW in grip in the slippery stuff we get up here in the North East.

[@georgeyuan68]

I agreeed.

[@RealMasterNK]

Fword u Audi sucks

[@georgeyuan68]

Niraj kathet Fword u, too!

[@michaelizzo6520]

Interesting argument...I think they are both tremendously good cars in their own ways...a Mercedes C Class is high comfort, okay performance, the BMW is high performance pretty good comfort, the Audi strikes the best balance of comfort and performance

[@seanzal]

Wow, so many ignorant BMW fanboys here. You all make yourselves sound ridiculous. I almost never bothered to reply on here to stoop to your low level. The A4 B8 as tested here is on the MLB platform, not the mqb. The MLB on the A4 is exclusive to Audi. The engines are longitudinally placed and the quattro system and gearboxes are designed differently to VW. VW own 99 percent of audi but Don't forget, Audi OWN 100 percent of Lamborghini and Bentley. Porsche and Bugatti are also part of the VW group. There is so much access to quality and they can share ideas parts if they want. Look at the R8, it is a great car, one of the best which proves that Audi can do what they want. They don't want to be like BMW, Audi are making their own statement. Audi s philosophy is about superior traction and luxury. BMW s philosophy is about superbly balanced RWD sports machines. Both are sporty, BMW is more of a drivers car, there is no doubting that. However, On the public roads through all conditions and weathers, the Audi is superior, on the track BMWs go sideways and win. I love both cars, because I learn about them, I don't guess...I understand.... My advice, educate yourselves.

[@Free_Falastin2024]

What a biased review.

[@jelayne]

Why is the comparison the older version of the A4 ?

[@1820AL]

Exactly, same thing I was thinking. This comparison is way unfair.......

[@Jarl_69]

No one with half a brain would say the 3-series interior is better than the Audi A4. The 3-series has hard plastic everywhere and the seats are way too firm. And BMW charges you for upgraded interior materials...

[@johnnewchannel6505]

Keep your jetta. Ill take the purebreed.

[@Jarl_69]

John (new channel) The A4 has nothing in common with the Jetta. Maybe you should do some research to avoid sounding like a moron...

[@bestman81]

John (new channel) HAHA the VW makes Buggati. The new Bentley uses Audi S8 engine 4.0L and Porsche Macan uses Audi Q5 engine as well . Audi bought the Italian supercar Lamboghini in 2002 so all these Lambo u see nowadays starting with 2002 Mucielago was made by Audi,Have u asked yourself why Audi Rs6 or Rs5 are always more expensive than M3 or C63 or M5 ???? 

[@renierdejager]

***** Funny

[@SUHandTYSON]

+Jarl Ballin' they're both from the same auto group otherwise though i would never buy a jetta but i would absolutely buy an A4 lol but i'm getting the BMW 328

[@rbassdo]

Interesting how the Audi was superior in braking, slalom and skid pad but lost the performance point, seemingly, due to being 0.3 seconds slower to 60 mph. IMO, that was poor judgment on Edmund's part.

[@pranavmukesh]

Bmw use useless runflat tires that literally have no grip!

[@pranavmukesh]

Still an Audi will never be as intuitive to drive as any bmw without the exception of the R8!

[@1820AL]

Pranav Mukesh Yeah but Audi has sold more BMW's in the last 6 months: Go figure......

[@pranavmukesh]

That doesn't matter! And that's only just! Every BMW is better than its Audi rival! 1 series over the a3! 3 series over the a4! 5 series over the a6 and 6GC over the a7!

[@pranavmukesh]

Even with the exception of the s and rs cars, BMW M performance and M cars are better are everyone knows that!

[@jhood59]

This guy was an Audi hater

[@eduardoduarte5892]

Ok this guys are on the BMW Payroll !! What a waste of my time !! I fly acrobatics I test drove an S4 and a BMW M3 I choose the Audi S4 hands down !!

[@maximus2065]

A4 is great

[@eaglechris6713]

Audis interior is better than the bmw.. #AudiIsBest

[@xme4595]

The 3 Series comes as the driving gods intended: rear wheel drive...nailed it.

[@tannershinn6840]

They brought up better facts about the Audi and said multiple times that bmw is basic but yet still gave it the points lol 😂 makes no sense

[@sachinnair1613]

The A4 is definitely better as a new car, BUT look on the used market and you will get a much better BMW 3 series than an A4 for the same price.

[@grantschneider926]

Not around here, the a4 has better deals

[@SUHandTYSON]

Yep i have decided that my next car will be a 2014 or newer 328i xdrive m sport package, you just get a better deal when they're used and loaded over the Audi

[@bmwjesusfuckjdm7104]

Audi is VWs bitch once again. #teambmw

[@edmundscars]

Two cars and two Edmunds editors Face Off: the ***** A4 vs the BMW 3 Series.

[@StevenEdmunds]

Do I get a free car as I share my Surname with your company?

[@leeedens9497]

Fwd based car vs rwd based car, easy the rwd

[@jaankhan2814]

I could convert an old fiesta to awd dont mean its competitor for bmw... audi folk be misguided

[@ELENibiru]

Lee Edens my older A4 beats my 3 series in every way possible. Performance, has milage, quality build aka for and finish and interior, and def reliability my A4 is a freaking beast that can and will take a beating the 325I could never attempt. Rear wheel drive comparing only means squat to me when I own and drive both. Audi is by far the superior builder.

[@eduardogomezramos6261]

I don't agree, I completely disagree the interior is much better A 4, light and illumination is beautiful than the other.

[@DamianGrunwald]

Its a bit not fair as the audi tested is an S Line version where BMW is the non-M Sport one, but yeah, BMW still takes it.

[@gasteratosn]

I own a 2011 Audi A4 2.0T and i used to own a 2007 3series. The BMW is a better drivers car, the Audi is more luxurius. Who is a better manufacturer is shown on RS5 and M3/4, where there is no need for comfort and BMW is far better.

[@kingster2929]

I've driven both and own a 328i xdrive I F-ing love the F-30....

[@edgrrr2012]

Wtf bruh, in the performance part the BMW only had better acceleration so wtf did it get the point??? The only argument the second gug was different engine choices. What...

[@AllWeKnowIsHesStig]

BMW every damn time!!! I've got BMW DNA running thru my veins!

[@FoxFaderWorld]

I've owned almost 100 cars and have driven a thousand. Been to Buck Baker racing school, bla, bla, bla. On our lot I had the choice, 14 325 2.0t, 10 quattro 2.0t. I liked the quattro with the sport package way better... interior, handling, brakes, looks. Way more leds on my A4. The main thing, reliability. Nuff said. I still dont regret my choice i made a few weeks ago.

[@kriskris4552]

The guys are defo bmw lovers,hence a verdict...that I agree 100%

[@Slimecrazy234]

The F30 is a very good car but the old A4 is now outclassed by so many in the segment it makes this comparison a waste of time. Should have compared the IS, ATS, or even the new C-class if you could get one.

[@1820AL]

Your comment is a waste of time. Plus, this is a slightly older video because the A4 has been facelifted for 2013

[@kevinn1158]

Two thing to add. The Audi is a much cleaner/sharper design and if you want quattro/awd with a manual, Audi is it.

[@sturat18]

I've never enjoyed the "editor at each car's corner" format, where they both defend their car's qualities regardless if it really aligns with their views. Adding a host and a game show format doesn't improve it. One person's view of both cars back-to-back is more valuable.

[@VictorRomero-wv4rq]

It looks yo me, that you guys works for BMW advertising. But it's ok, bot cars are good.

[@danielosdinia4258]

I definitely choose BMW over Audi as well!

[@ravengenesis]

2:44 the BMW has a busted fog light... build quality in question?

[@feketeszabolcs7551]

Când trebuie schimbata distributia la bmw și trebuie scos tot motorul și cand o manca ulei câte puncte ii puneți 😅🤣

[@ginger8r]

I dont know... Maybe you could ask some BMW 328i drivers? My Audi A4 left them in a daze fifteen miles back.

[@IMediaCorp]

Edmonds, this is a bit of a let-down, Performance is Audi all day and twice on Sunday. Audi's transmission is also superior to that of the bimmer ...I was looking into a 3 and you get nickeled and dimed on everything. the BMW's interior is indeed fresher however the A4 wins in my book

[@macan6855]

Only one engine for the A4 in America? I'm happy to live in Germany

[@penvon]

Macan for an engine?

[@Robin_R.]

It is interesting to se how Audi A4 and BMW 3 series are considered to be very close. BMW 3 series wins and it should. After all it was redesigned in 2011-12. A4 was redesigned in 2008-9.

[@1820AL]

And facelifted in 2013. The A4 shown here is the pre-facelifted version, which makes this comparison unfair.....

[@coureurdebois]

should have done a ATS to the bmw 3... would have been a closer match since merc/audi is too focused on luxury in a small sports sedan segment.

[@1820AL]

You mean the C-Class is. The Audi is better balanced when it comes to a combination of luxury and sport. Don't negatively comment on cars you've never driven.

[@jtafoya88]

The ultimate driving machine. BMW

[@nanaprt61]

What a boring analysis. Cmon guys.

[@SUHandTYSON]

Wow lots of negative spewing at one another lol. Well i would like to say that i'm currently looking at a newer car and the BMW 328 xdrive and the A4 Quattro are at the top of my list. I will test drive both but i've been favoring the BMW. I am about to give up my Japanese car for a German one, i just hope the reliability is ok, coming from a Japanese made car i've never had any major problems or expensive repairs whatsoever.

[@logancardarelli6982]

Im also tied between the BMW 328i and the A4 - also worried about reliability haha. Good luck with your choice! Let us know what you decide

[@zureai]

What did you guys go for? 😂

[@jchang2014]

How long ago were these filmed...? The A4 is last generation as well as the BMW iDrive...

[@jchang2014]

Sorry--just nitpicking. I guess it's fair to recycle footage.

[@freakinbox]

Audi Guy - Audi is better in performance in every aspect except 0 - 60. BMW Guy - People say BMW is crap now but It's a drivers car and I like it! Host - Point to BMW ROFL!!

[@macedonianlion2531]

I love more Audi. But I am not good car educated. Audi a4 Sline and Audi a4 quattro is one same? And can be audi A4 Sline Quattro together? Thanks

[@ponygt6629]

Why is Audi a good car, buy a VW Passat 2.0 TSi R line, its same car has more space more comfy, same engine, has all the options 1 would ever want Everybody complains Lincolns,Cadillacs badge engineering sucks etc but Audi is in every way a VW wxcpet the RS models

[@1820AL]

Well no, because nowadays, Audi has more control over its lineup than in previous generations. The A4 is not just a "rebadged VW". And even if it was, VW owns Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, and believe or not, Audi's new 4.0 Biturbo V8, designed in house at Audi Ingolstadt (Germany), is shared with the Bentley Continental GT. Even Audi's current 2.0T and 3.0T do not share any of its placement with ANY VW models. S please, get your information correct and stop being an Audi hater.....

[@ponygt6629]

I am not at all an Audi hater,infact i like a lot of their offerings like the new Audi A3,the new TT is going to make some lap times that some v8 and v6 turbos wl find hard to beat But the e888 tsi family is completly shared between audi and VW and the new Psaast and new Audi a3 and a4 also use the same, took a test drive of both and its definitely badge engineering

[@1820AL]

Different transmissions as well. The Passat has either a 170hp 1.8 Turbo 4 mated to a 6 speed automatic or a V6 along with a Diesel offering, while the A4 has 221hp 2.0T mated to either a CVT, 6 speed manual, or 8 speed Automatic. You can also count the s4 as being the performance option for the A4, in which it uses a 3.0 Supercharged v6 that is mated o a 7 speed dual clutch. The A4 currently, at least here in the U.S., does not offer a TDI in its range and the quality and design are much more premium feeling. Also, the A4 has a revised and different suspension setup than the Passat. So no, its no "rebadged" engineering.

[@Dgannt]

Ponygt 662 I know what you mean with the engines. You find those TSI engines in everything from Audi to Golf and any other VW, Seat and god know what other. It takes away a bit of Audi's exclusivity when you see many shared parts.

[@1820AL]

Not really. The only shared engine that is currently used between Audi is the 2.0TFSI. And specifically, the power output of that engine is lower in the Volkswagen applications, in which only the "performance" versions such as the Golf GTI and the Jetta GLI has the 2.0TSI, which is rated lower than the Audi-planted 2.0T. All other engines that Audi uses, such as the 3.0T (Supercharged V6), 4.0T (Bi turbo V8), and the 5.2 V10 are Audi-only applications. The 4.0T is a actually shared with the Bentley Continental GT sports coupe.

[@montasershweiki7358]

just Audi ❤❤🇵🇸

[@Mag1c4lyfe]

How about gas mileage and reliability and exteriors, and trunk space. Lol just kidding. Im still loving the Audi.

[@tannershinn6840]

How is BMW pretty good and A4 is more considered for practical use but yet bmw gets the point 😂😂😂

[@maximus2065]

for me,A 4..

[@paiso26]

Pretty bias review it's all in how u as a consumer find that the car is practical for your own every day use. I pick Audi all day

[@204streettoys8]

What about reliability? Audi takes the cake on that as well. BMW's are known for breaking down all the time.

[@manishoker3484]

As an M5 owner as well as an A4 Avant owner, Audi build quality is miles better although bmw will very slightly be my overall favourite.

[@AndyRice95]

2006 Audi a4 3.0 Quattro or a 2006 Bmw 328i? What would be the most reliable and not cost so much for repairs?

[@wtDrake]

*crickets* h-hey guys, what about an Acura ILX 2.4 6 spd? But as far as these 2 go, Audi

[@murphydublin]

i have a good choice to have one BMW 3 Series 2004 but still good looking and good performance. thanks edmund.

[@Viralityoflife]

Audi Forsure

[@gordonremsey8055]

I'm in a battle in deciding which ones better, I would have always preferred the A4 but I dunno.

[@zureai]

Same here... but with an A5 and E92... Audi has waaaay better interior and build quality and comfort but BMW has better driving feel and parts are everywhere!!

[@TheAdamsAZ]

BMW looses a point for looking too much like a Honda Accord.

[@yiyangcheng]

I'd skip A4 and jump to ATS

[@rc.expedition4238]

BMW !

[@huanin__5533]

Nie

[@bchevon]

I have an audi a3 that's only 5 years old and the roof is sagging along with other problems...my next car will be a BMW 3 series

[@1820AL]

Well maybe its due to your lack of maintenance or care for your vehicle. I own 2 Audis. An 06 Audi A4 which has 150,000 miles and still running and looking almost brand new, and a 2013 Audi s7, no problems whatsoever. My friend, who bought a brand new BMW 528i in 2012, had his transmission fail twice in just 15,000 miles. That costed him $6000 in repairs, but luckily a warranty helped out. Just imagine if it were out of warranty...........

[@bchevon]

I take very good care of my car. My audi hasn't given me any major problems but it did give me a lot of minor ones....Window stuck down, engine misfire, rear passenger side door won't unlock and a saggy roof liner.

[@1820AL]

Maybe it was a reject, I haven't had any problems like that with any of my Audi's. Audi is usually known for their great build quality...

[@Javonn143_]

The BMW of course. The A4 is basically a higher equipped Jetta, and it kinda looks like a Jetta too.

[@andylie7699]

A3 is a Golf/Jetta A4 is a Passat

[@tuolumne9]

You're An idiot

[@1820AL]

Don't talk about cars you cannot afford......

[@andylie7699]

Who do you mean??

[@1820AL]

Andreas Lie What I mean is the Audi A4 shares NOTHING with the Passat or Jetta besides a platform. The engine offerings, transmissions, and suspension setup are totally different......Nonetheless the A4 is way better looking and performing than those models. So stop talking down Audi's with false information.

[@damienwheeler4923]

Audi

[@badrtaourirt6378]

A4 win

[@inmortal131]

Bmw All days and package m sport :$

[@TheRealKingHarry]

Why would you review 2+ year old models in 2014 after both have been revamped?

[@Volvo8Fifty4Life]

BMW FTW!

[@THIRTY-THR33]

BMW

[@MordFustang1966]

I would choose BMW every time. The 3 series is engineered for this platform. Whereas the audi is an overpriced golf/skoda octavia on the mqb platform. oh an lets not forget the understeer. The engine in the audi is so far in the front, it is nearly in between the two headlights. So now cry audi owners that think commenting here will improve their cars resale value.

[@raheeb1]

Lol the headlights comment

[@03bonneville]

Audi all day long

[@SaskatchewanBadAss]

why people hate on awd or fwd? if you live in Canada like me or some parts of the united states that have snow and ice for 6 months of the year you would rather have awd or front....only reason id consider a bmw is because they were right about the inside and trunk being much bigger

[@joshespino5653]

Because with rear wheel drive you feel the sporty feel as well as having the pleasure of doing burnouts, donuts, drifting and more

[@justawhitenigga]

4-1? 5-0 is the true score.