Compare the2022 BMW 4 Series Gran CoupeVS 2022 Audi A3

The 4 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 4 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.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 4 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 4 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 4 Series Gran Coupe and the A3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 4 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 4 Series Gran Coupe’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 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 18th in initial quality. With 49 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 430i Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 54 more horsepower (255 vs. 201) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (294 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The M440i Gran Coupe’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 181 more horsepower (382 vs. 201) and 147 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

Both the 4 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 4 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.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (15.6 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The 4 Series Gran Coupe has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Quattro’s standard fuel tank (15.6 vs. 14.5 gallons).

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW 4 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 4 Series Gran Coupe’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A3 (245/45R18 vs. 225/45R17).

The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s optional 225/40R19 front and 255/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear 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 4 Series Gran Coupe has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the A3. The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the A3.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 4 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 4 Series Gran Coupe offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by waving your foot, 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 4 Series Gran Coupe has a standard 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.

On extremely cold winter days, the 4 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 4 Series Gran Coupe’s available Parking Assistant Plus 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.

The BMW 4 Series comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Audi A3 isn’t available as a coupe or convertible.