VS
At a Glance
Power
331kW@5700
140 kW
Torque
560Nm@1950
400 Nm
Fuel
16.6
4.9 l/100km
Towing
1800
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.2
7.0 s
Engine
4172
1995 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 331kW@5700 while the BMW 3 Series produces 140 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 16.6 while the 3 Series uses 4.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R803 800 for the A6 and R967 377 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
331kW@5700
140 kW
Torque
560Nm@1950
400 Nm
0-100 kph
5.2
7.0 s
Top Speed
250
235 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4172
1995 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
5
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.6
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
23.85
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
12.9
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
70
59 l
CO2 Emissions
—
130 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4796
4713 mm
Width
1810
1827-2068 mm
Height
1477
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2760
2851 mm
Ground Clearance
123
136 mm
Kerb Weight
1955
1595 DIN / 1670 EU Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
480 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
1590
570 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
A6
Practicality
A6
Pros & Cons
AUDI A6
Lower starting price (R803 800)
Higher towing capacity (1800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.2s)
Higher fuel consumption (16.6)
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (4.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or 3 Series?
The A6 uses 16.6 and the 3 Series uses 4.9 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 331kW@5700 and 560Nm@1950 of torque while the 3 Series delivers 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A6 and 3 Series?
The A6 starts from R803 800 and the 3 Series from R967 377. The A6 is cheaper by R163 577 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 1800 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.