VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
285 kW
Torque
600 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.1 s
4.3 s
Engine
2967 cc
2998 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 183 kW while the BMW 3 Series produces 285 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 6.4 l/100km while the 3 Series uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 406 900 for the A6 and R1 377 107 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
183 kW
285 kW
Torque
600 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
6.1 s
4.3 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
73 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
169 g/km
182 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4954 mm
4714 mm
Width
1886-2110 mm
1827-2068 mm
Height
1446 mm
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2928 mm
2851 mm
Kerb Weight
1825-1900 Kg
1725 DIN / 1770 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
530 l
480 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
550 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 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
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
A6
Value
3 Series
Practicality
A6
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 285 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW 3 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 377 107)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or 3 Series?
The A6 uses 6.4 l/100km and the 3 Series uses 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A6 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 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the 3 Series delivers 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and 3 Series?
The A6 starts from R1 406 900 and the 3 Series from R1 377 107. The 3 Series is cheaper by R29 793 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 2000 Kg and the 3 Series can tow 1800 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.