Audi RS3 vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?

Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2026 Audi RS3

2026 BMW i Series

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Dynamic and engaging to drive
Iconic five-cylinder soundtrack
Luxuriously equipped

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

Options dollars add up quickly
Tight rear headroom in sedan
Engine note could be louder

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

2026 Audi RS3 Summary

Five-cylinder fury is still kicking!

Audi has just launched the mid-life updated version of its RS3 hatch and sedan in Australia.

With new looks inside and out, the German carmaker has also made a number of subtle tweaks under the skin via software updates. Thankfully, however, the five-cylinder beast lurking under the bonnet remains untouched.

As the viability of pure internal combustion engines in the hot hatch segment dwindles in the age of ever-tightening emissions regulations, will this be the last hurrah for the five-banger RS3?

Read along to see how this latest version stacks up.

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2026 BMW i Series Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS3 2026 BMW i Series

Verdict

The Audi RS3 is a special hot hatch and sedan I’m so glad I experienced before its five-cylinder engine is inevitably retired due to emissions regulations. Full of character and charisma, this car is far from a rational purchase, pitched at boy racers who don’t want to grow up just yet.

From a value perspective, too, while the asking price has crossed the six-figure threshold and the option prices add thousands, it’s still much cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Make of that what you will.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Audi RS3 vs BMW i Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS3 vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?