With a wide range of stylish and powerful luxury cars available today, it becomes imperative to compare those that people mostly recommend. Two luxury cars in UAE, the Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series, have become a few of the most loved luxury vehicles. Both cars have next-gen technological systems, sleek and premium design, and several safety features.

In this article, we aim to compare these two sedans based on their availability, specifications, and other factors so that you can select one that matches your driving needs.

Audi A3 vs BMW 3 Series: Which German Luxury Sedan is Better?

Powertrain

Audi A3 is offered in four exclusive variants: Ambition 30, Ambition 40, Ambition 40 Quattro, and Attraction 30. All four variants are powered by a four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with direct fuel injection and an exhaust gas turbocharger. The Ambition 30 and Attraction 30 variants come mated with a 1,395cc engine capable of churning out 125 HP @5,000-6,000 RPM and 200 Nm peak torque @1,400-4,000 RPM.

In comparison, the Ambition 40 and Quattro variants are equipped with 1798cc engines capable of generating 180 HP @4,500-6,200 RPM and torque of 280 Nm @1,350-4,500 RPM. The car can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 6.8 seconds and ensure a mileage of 100 km on 6.5 liters of fuel.

On the other hand, the BMW 3 Series is available in three engine options to cater to the needs of its elite customers. The base variant features the smallest 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, churning out 134 HP and 220 PS of power. The other two tunes feature a larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, generating 181 HP and 290 Nm peak torque and 249 HP and 350 Nm peak torque, respectively.

There is one more variant that comes mated with a 3.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 322 HP and 450 Nm torque. All engine trims have been configured with rear-wheel drive functionality and 8-speed automatic transmission.

Design

Audi A3 is one of the prominent additions in the luxury small-hatch category and has gone through several upgrades and design tweaks by the carmaker to make it stand out in the global market. With the recent update, the car has seen fresh styling, an updated interior layout, and some minor changes in body style. This Audi car has new connectivity and safety technology, including a mild-hybrid driveline and a second powertrain option to draw more performance on highways.

Talking about BMW’s flagship offering, the 3 Series sedan is one of the most popular luxury cars in UAE, and for a good reason. The car has practical interior space without compromising engine productivity and performance. The carmaker has redefined the design elements of the BMW 3 Series to make it look more stylish, sleek, and classy.

Exterior

The designers of the Audi A3 have maintained proper elegance across the exterior design, making it more appealing to luxury car buyers. It gives the look and feel of a light coupe featuring compact body dimensions. The A3 is available in full LED headlights (optional), a bigger radiator grille design, a spiritual Audi emblem, and some other tweaks to make it look a little sporty. There is dual exhaust, an updated rear bumper, up to 19-inch wheels option, and dazzling rear combination lamps. The car has an overall 4,456 mm length, 1,796 mm width, and 1,416 mm height.

BMW 3 Series gives a sporty look and feel thanks to its unique blend of classy and sporty design elements. There is a style kidney grille at the front with vertical slats and some chrome work at some parts. The carmaker has made some design changes, keeping in mind to maintain the classy and traditional design language the 3 Series is known for. The vehicle also gets a long bonnet approach and short overhangs, increasing the overall length of the wheelbase. You can find LED lights all over the vehicle, including all the illuminations, parking, and turn indicators.

Related: BMW Car Price List in UAE

Interior

Audi cars are well-known for offering unmatched comfort and luxury feel inside the cabin, and Audi A3 is no exception. The carmaker has designed the car's interior using quality materials considering buyers' needs.

There is a covered multi-functional steering wheel, a 5.8-inch pop-out display providing necessary information to the driver, and a touch-sensitive control panel for intuitive operations. Additionally, the cabin has Milano leather-covered seats and proper ventilation across the front and rear seats.

The BMW 3-Series sedan also offers an outstanding and spacious cabin. The entire setting is driver-focused, and the cabin has a lot of uncluttered and functional areas. There are chrome and blacked-out glossy bits as well.

BMW has provided an 8-8 inch head-up display on the top of the center console. Some craftsmanship on the dashboard and center console can be found on high-spec variants, including wooden trims in As Grain White.

Safety

Audi A3 is not the best-selling compact and sporty sedan because of a lot of luxury features but also of the safety features provided by the luxury carmaker. It features several fully functional safety features like Audi active lane assist, side assist, ABS, and electronic brakeforce distribution. The vehicle comes with adaptive cruise control, drive select, an Isofix system, side airbags, knee bags, and optional side airbags for passengers.

In the BMW 3 Series, one can find several safety features (both standard and optional) across the vehicle. There are airbags around the cabin for enhanced protection, including near the driver, front passenger, side, curtains, and more. Seatbelt pre-tensioners have been provided as an option. Additional safety features include stability control, parking assistance, surround-view camera, ABS, and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Related: Audi Cars Price List in UAE

Price

The ex-showroom price for Audi A3 in UAE starts from AED 139,000 to AED 247,200. On the other hand, the BMW 3 Series is priced in UAE (Dubai) at AED 185,0000 and AED 210,000 for high-spec variants.

Why Buy Audi A3?

Undoubtedly, the Audi A3 is a value-for-money luxury sedan car to buy in the UAE, but the practicality of vehicle ownership can vary from person to person. You should also check out some pros and cons of owning an Audi A3.

Pros

• Quality look and feel
• Stylish compact luxury sedan
• Sporty design and dimensions
• Responsive infotainment controls

Cons

• Active cruises cost extra
• Small rear passenger seats
• Limited space in the trunk

Why Buy BMW 3 Series?

BMW 3 Series is one of the best-selling cars in its segment, attracting UAE luxury car buyers with its cutting-edge technological specifications, unmatched safety features, and luxury add-ons. However, with the availability of several competitors in the market, it's better to look at some pros and cons of the 3 Series before initiating a purchase.

Pros

• Best-in-class acceleration
• Superior handling and drive
• Impressive exterior styling
• Several features, even in the base variant

Cons

• Slightly expensive than competitors
• Slow lane assist technology
• Complex infotainment system

Conclusion

Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series are both excellent luxury cars. Audi A3 is the best choice for buyers looking for a more refined and luxurious experience, while the BMW 3 Series is for those looking for a more holistic and comfortable driving experience.