Audi A8 vs BMW 3 Series: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Audi A8⁩ VS ⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦Audi A8⁩ VS ⁦BMW 3 Series⁩: the verdict

The Audi A8 is the clear winner for buyers prioritizing ultimate luxury, expansive interior space, and commanding presence, making it ideal for executives or those seeking a chauffeur-driven experience. However, its considerably higher price and larger footprint might deter those who favor the BMW 3 Series' more agile, driver-focused dynamics and superior fuel efficiency at a more accessible cost.
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Price Comparison
Starting at419,900 – 469,900 AED245,000 – 315,000 AED
Engine & Power
Engine2,995 – 3,993 cc · 6 – 8 cyl1,998 – 2,998 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 460 hp184 – 374 hp
Torque (Nm)500 – 660 Nm300 – 500 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.5 – 5.7 s4.4 – 7.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)250 km/h240 – 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8 – 10.2 L/100km5.5 – 7.3 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity72 – 82 L60 L
Gears88
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.2 / 5.3 m × 1.9 m × 1.5 / 1.5 m4.6 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 / 3.1 m2.8 / 2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,920 – 2,300 kg1,450 – 1,670 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)505 – 520 L480 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterCollision DetectionCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHead-Up DisplayHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSilver TrimSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVentilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Executive Luxury

The Audi A8 offers unmatched cabin comfort, superior materials, and a more powerful engine range, making it the top choice for a truly luxurious executive sedan experience.

2

Best for Engaging Driving

The BMW 3 Series excels in driving dynamics, providing a lighter and more agile feel with responsive handling, perfect for drivers who prioritize a sporty and connected road experience.

3

Best for Value and Efficiency

With a significantly lower starting price and better fuel economy (as low as 5.5 L/100km), the BMW 3 Series provides a more budget-friendly premium sedan option without sacrificing driving pleasure.

4

Best for Long Journeys and Space

The Audi A8's generous dimensions, including a larger trunk capacity of up to 520 L and ample legroom, ensure maximum comfort for all passengers on long trips.

Pros & cons

Audi A8

Pros

  • Superior cabin and trunk space (up to 520 L)
  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 460 hp) and torque (up to 660 Nm)
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive across all trims
  • More commanding presence and luxury feel
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (up to 82 L)

Cons

  • Considerably higher price point (starting from 419,900 AED)
  • Less fuel-efficient (up to 10.2 L/100km)
  • Heavier vehicle, potentially less agile
  • Larger dimensions can make city driving and parking more challenging

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Significantly more affordable starting price (from 245,000 AED)
  • Better fuel economy (as low as 5.5 L/100km)
  • Lighter kerb weight (as low as 1,450 kg) for agile handling
  • Quicker top-end acceleration (4.4 seconds 0-100 km/h)
  • Choice of RWD or AWD

Cons

  • Smaller interior and trunk space (480 L)
  • Lower maximum power output (up to 374 hp)
  • Less outright luxury compared to its full-size counterpart
  • Base models have slower acceleration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audi A8 or BMW 3 Series more luxurious for UAE buyers?

The Audi A8 is undeniably more luxurious, positioned as a full-size executive sedan. It offers superior interior space, higher-grade materials, and a more commanding presence compared to the compact executive BMW 3 Series. For buyers prioritizing ultimate comfort and prestige, the A8 is the clear choice.

Which car offers better fuel efficiency, the Audi A8 or BMW 3 Series in the UAE?

The BMW 3 Series is significantly more fuel-efficient, with consumption figures as low as 5.5 L/100km. The Audi A8, being a larger and more powerful vehicle, has a higher fuel consumption range, reaching up to 10.2 L/100km. For those concerned with running costs, the 3 Series is the better option.

Which has more space, the Audi A8 or BMW 3 Series?

The Audi A8 offers considerably more interior and trunk space. Its length extends to 5.3 meters with a trunk capacity of up to 520 liters, making it ideal for passenger comfort and luggage. The BMW 3 Series is a smaller sedan with a trunk capacity of 480 liters, suitable for personal use but less spacious overall.

Is the Audi A8 or BMW 3 Series better for performance driving?

While the Audi A8 offers higher maximum horsepower, the BMW 3 Series is generally considered better for performance driving due to its lighter weight (as low as 1,450 kg) and more agile chassis. Its top-end acceleration can match the A8 at 4.4 seconds, making it a more engaging driver's car.

What is the price difference between the Audi A8 and BMW 3 Series in the UAE?

There is a substantial price difference, reflecting their distinct segments. The Audi A8 starts from 419,900 AED, while the BMW 3 Series is considerably more accessible, starting from 245,000 AED. Buyers should consider their budget and priorities for luxury versus sportiness when choosing.