Audi A3 vs BMW 3 Series

In an effort to compare apples to apples in terms of trim level, we will compare the Audi A3 Premium Plus quattro® S tronic® with the BMW 330i xDrive Sedan. This trim level equips both sedans with similar drivetrains in terms of horsepower and all-wheel-drive capability. Now with the two vehicles lined up, side-by-side, let's explore the key differences between these two 'seemingly' equal competitors.

Starting with the largest difference, the A3 40 TFSI quattro® Premium Plus holds a price advantage of more than $5,000 versus the BMW 330i xDrive.While both share identical top speed ratings, the A3 is the superior choice when it comes to efficiency. It tops the BMW across all three MPG categories and does so using less-expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Looking at standard equipment found on the Audi A3 and BMW 330i, there are a variety of areas where Audi outshines BMW. Let's start with the fact the Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro® Premium Plus includes a leather interior as standard equipment - something you'll need to pay BMW an additional fee to include on the 330i xDrive Sedan.

In addition, the Audi A3 Premium Plus quattro® S tronic® offers better tech. The standard 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system makes the A3 more fuel-efficient than ever, and a large panoramic sunroof lets in more natural light, to help you enjoy your time behind the wheel.

If you buy the Audi A3, you'll save thousands of dollars and get more standard equipment, like heated leather seats. Choosing BMW over Audi may prove to be a costly mistake.

Audi SQ5 vs BMW X5

Much like our previous match-up, in an effort to match driveline configuration and horsepower, we chose Audi's high-performing SQ5 to go head-to-head with the BMW X5. Each trim level comes standard with a similar powertrain, drivetrain, and 5-passenger capability. But while both luxury SUVs are powered by a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, that's where the similarities end and the Audi begins to shine in terms of performance, standard equipment, and value.

The first noticeable contrasts between the SQ5 and X5 are pricing and performance. When comparing price tags, the Audi SQ5 will save you $6,500 versus the BMW X5. The BMW offers higher peak horsepower and torque numbers, but the Audi engine offers a wider power band, and the result is that the SQ5 is more than half a second quicker to 60 mph, a big discrepancy considering the higher peak numbers from the BMW. This all starts to make sense when you see the 6-piston performance brakes that come with the SQ5. Audi clearly takes performance much more seriously with the SQ5 than the more everyday X5.

In addition to its performance and handling, the Audi also outshines the BMW in terms of interior appointments. The SQ5 delivers what you would expect in a $50,000+ luxury SUV - standard leather seating. If you want leather seating in your BMW X5, that will cost you an extra $1,950. Additionally, the Audi SQ5 has more legroom in its front and rear rows for drivers and passengers alike to stretch their legs.

Both vehicles also have sophisticated dashboards - each with standard technological features including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® and Google™ Android Auto™. However, if you want a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, you'll need to add an expensive convenience package on the BMW X5 to include that feature. While the Audi SQ5 and BMW X5 may appear to be equals, a closer look reveals the Audi as the better option where it counts.

Audi Q7 vs BMW X7

Last up we have a comparison of each brand's big SUV, the Q7 vs the X7. Although we picked a trim of the Q7 that was close to the X7 in price, the Q7 still has a price advantage of several thousand dollars. That price advantage is just the start as well, as a closer look reveals what that money actually gets you. We're focusing on equipment here, because performance numbers are almost entirely identical, with both vehicles coming equipped with 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive. Starting with the stereo, in this price range, the Q7 trim level we are comparing here comes with what is otherwise an optional premium stereo - the Bang & Olufsen® 3D system. The X7 has a couple of stereo upgrade options, but even the top option doesn't match the wattage or speaker count of the Q7, and it costs several thousand dollars extra.

The X7 has heated seats and a heated steering wheel, which is more than you get as standard equipment in most BMW models. But it's still short of the Q7 equipment, which includes heated back seats as well, something you have to pay extra for in the X7. BMW will also ask you to pay extra for genuine leather, something you get standard in the Audi. Power soft close doors are another luxury feature you expect to find on a luxury vehicle in this price range, and you do on the Audi, but once again, it'll cost you extra on the X7. A good deal of driver's aid technology is optional on the BMW, including some things that might be considered pretty basic, such as a top-view camera and lane keeping assist. Of course, they don't cost extra on the Audi, and really, quite a few less expensive vehicles as well.

We mostly haven't bothered with performance numbers, but there are a couple of things worth mentioning. The Q7 comes with some serious stopping power, thanks to 14.8-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers. Performance brakes cost extra on the X7, and they still aren't quite up to the level that Audi gives you with the Q7. The Q7 has a tighter turning circle too, which is very good to have with larger vehicles like these. It might not be such a big deal if BMW offered that top-down camera view as standard, but alas, you'll have to squeeze out of that parking spot the hard way.