VS
At a Glance
Power
257kW@6800
135 kW
Torque
440Nm@3500
300 Nm
Fuel
10.8
6.5 l/100km
Towing
2100
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.9
7.4 s
Engine
4163
1998 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A6 and the BMW 3 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A6 delivers 257kW@6800 while the BMW 3 Series produces 135 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 10.8 while the 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 796 500 for the A6 and R920 231 for the 3 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
257kW@6800
135 kW
Torque
440Nm@3500
300 Nm
0-100 kph
6.9
7.4 s
Top Speed
250
235 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4163
1998 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.8
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
15.6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.1
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
59 l
CO2 Emissions
260
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4927
4713 mm
Width
1855
1827-2068 mm
Height
1459
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2843
2851 mm
Ground Clearance
125
136 mm
Kerb Weight
1770
1515 DIN / 1590 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
480 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
546
555 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
3 Series
Practicality
A6
Pros & Cons
AUDI A6
Higher towing capacity (2100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (10.8)
Higher starting price
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R920 231)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or 3 Series?
The A6 uses 10.8 and the 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 3 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A6 or 3 Series?
The A6 produces 257kW@6800 and 440Nm@3500 of torque while the 3 Series delivers 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A6 and 3 Series?
The A6 starts from R1 796 500 and the 3 Series from R920 231. The 3 Series is cheaper by R876 269 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A6 or 3 Series?
The A6 has a braked towing capacity of 2100 and the 3 Series can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A6 or the 3 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.