Compare the2022 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2022 Audi A3

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard City Collision Mitigation, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The A3 has a collision warning system without the crash-mitigating brake feature that could reduce stopping distances.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The A3 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The A3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the A3.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the A3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the 2 Series Gran Coupe the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The A3 has not been tested, yet.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series Gran Coupe for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the A3.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 2 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The 228i Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 27 more horsepower (228 vs. 201) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 100 more horsepower (301 vs. 201) and 110 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the A3 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All 2 Series Gran Coupes have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A3.

For better traction, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A3 (235/35R19 vs. 225/45R17).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A3’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional 19-inch wheels. The A3’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 2 Series Gran Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The A3 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a much larger trunk than the A3 Sedan (15.1 vs. 13.8 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s available trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The A3 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 4% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The A3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

On extremely cold winter days, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The A3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The A3’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.