2026 Audi A6 vs 2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series maintained a conservative design approach, aligning with its historical significance as a key model for BMW. While other series like the 2, 5, and 7 Series embraced more expressive designs, the 3 Series opted for subtle updates. These included new paint colours, intricate wheel designs, and minor dashboard revisions to accommodate a technology upgrade. In Canada, the 3 Series was available in 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, and M3 variants, each offering different levels of power and performance. The xDrive system was standard on non-M versions, providing all-wheel-drive capability. The test vehicle, a U.S.-spec 330i, featured an M Sport upgrade, adding sport-tuned suspension and variable sport steering. The interior, with its brushed aluminum trim and metallic detailing, exuded quality, though it lacked the optional Shadowline upgrade, which would have added a black version of the iconic twin-kidney grille.

The 2026 Audi A6, while handsome, did not make a bold visual statement. Its design featured a lower, more pronounced "singleframe" grille and fender flares inspired by the Quattro rally car. The A6's lighting system included pixelated LED headlights with programmable signatures and taillights that could display different icons. In Canada, the A6 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the S Line Black package offering sportier aesthetics. Despite its larger size, the A6's interior materials felt disappointingly bland and cheap. The Technik trim's Sport Plus Package included a sportier suspension and rear-axle steering, enhancing handling but compromising ride comfort. Overall, the A6 was more suited for highway driving than spirited cornering, with noticeable tire noise on less-than-perfect pavement.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series offered a range of performance options, with the 330i xDrive delivering swift acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and responsive, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission offering multiple driving modes. The M Sport Package added a sport suspension and variable sport steering, though the test vehicle lacked performance tires and adaptive dampers. The 330i's handling was competent, but the standard brakes were sensitive in city driving. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined rating of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2026 Audi A6 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro AWD, delivered a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. The A6's powertrain was energetic, though the transmission exhibited hesitation under heavy throttle. The Sport Plus package included a sport rear differential and steel-spring suspension, enhancing handling but compromising ride quality. The A6's steering system offered precision, but the artificial heft in Dynamic mode detracted from the experience. Overall, the A6 excelled in highway stability but was less suited for dynamic driving.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series, a compact luxury sedan, offered a snug interior suitable for four adults of average height. The 330i featured power-adjustable heated sport seats with SensaTec artificial leather or optional real leather. However, finding the right seating position was challenging, and ventilated front seats were not available. The rear seats provided good support but limited legroom due to hard plastic front seatback panels. Interior storage was ample, with a 478-litre trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats for added versatility.

The 2026 Audi A6, six centimetres longer than its predecessor, offered similar passenger space due to an unchanged wheelbase. The panoramic glass roof increased front-seat headroom, but rear-seat headroom and legroom remained unchanged. The A6's interior provided comparable space to a BMW 5 Series, with heated rear seats and climate controls. The trunk, at 382 litres, was smaller than the previous generation but still offered more space than some competitors. The A6's conventional trunk and split-folding rear seats added practicality.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series featured an upgraded infotainment system with BMW Operating System 8.5, offering a 14.9-inch touchscreen and iDrive controls. The BMW Intelligent Assistant responded accurately to most commands, though navigation to medical facilities needed improvement. The optional Harman Kardon surround-sound system impressed, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Premium Package added parking assists, including front and rear sensors and multiple camera angles for easy maneuvering.

The 2026 Audi A6 introduced the Digital Stage setup with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen. The MMI infotainment system, however, was criticized for its oversimplified layouts and small text. Audi's voice recognition system and wireless smartphone integration helped, but the interface was due for an update. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system featured headrest speakers for navigation directions, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series offered a range of safety features, though determining standard equipment was challenging due to package groupings. The Active Protection System prepared the car for collisions, while Active Guard included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Driving Assistant package added pedestrian detection and lane departure warning. The 3 Series earned top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though it hadn't undergone the latest IIHS tests.

The 2026 Audi A6 came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other driver-assist features. However, the lane centring feature allowed for some lane wobble. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of writing, typical for a new model year.