Cincinnati compact luxury-sedan shoppers can compare the 2026 BMW 330i and 2026 Audi A5 through their different approaches to power, drivetrain configuration, fuel economy, technology, and cargo capacity. The 330i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 255 horsepower and offers rear-wheel drive or available xDrive all-wheel drive, while the A5 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 268 horsepower with standard quattro all-wheel drive.
For drivers navigating Cincinnati streets, I-71, I-75, I-275, and surrounding communities, the two models also differ in body configuration and cargo design. The 330i uses a traditional sedan trunk with 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the A5 uses a liftback-style rear opening with 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space. BMW of Cincinnati North at 105 West Kemper Road can provide information about 330i availability, configurations, financing, trade-ins, service, and genuine BMW parts.
2026 BMW 330i and 2026 Audi A5
Key Highlights
| Feature | 2026 BMW 330i | 2026 Audi A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.0L turbo inline-4 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder |
| Standard horsepower | 255 hp | 268 hp |
| Maximum torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or available xDrive | Standard quattro AWD |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec RWD, 5.4 sec xDrive | Manufacturer/trim dependent |
| Maximum EPA combined rating | Up to 31 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 17 cu. ft. | 22.6 cu. ft. |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
2026 BMW 330i Uses a 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Engine With Mild-Hybrid Technology
The BMW 330i uses a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system works with the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, while buyers can choose standard rear-wheel drive or available xDrive all-wheel drive.
BMW 330i Powertrain Details Include
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four.
- 255 horsepower.
- 295 lb-ft of torque.
- 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
- Eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Rear-wheel drive.
- Available xDrive all-wheel drive.
- 5.6-second 0-to-60-mph time with RWD.
- 5.4-second 0-to-60-mph time with xDrive.
Audi A5 Powertrain Details Include
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
- 268 horsepower.
- 295 lb-ft of torque.
- Seven-speed automatic transmission.
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive.
- Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims.
- Mild-hybrid technology.
2026 BMW 330i Offers a Choice of Rear-Wheel Drive or xDrive
The BMW 330i gives Cincinnati drivers a choice between rear-wheel drive and available xDrive all-wheel drive. BMW lists up to 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for the rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the xDrive version reaches up to 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
BMW 330i Fuel-Economy Facts
- Up to 28 city/35 highway mpg with RWD.
- Up to 26 city/34 highway mpg with xDrive.
- 31 mpg maximum combined rating in the applicable configuration.
- 15.6-gallon fuel tank.
- Rear-wheel drive standard.
- xDrive available.
Audi A5 Fuel-Economy Facts
- 26 mpg combined.
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive.
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
- Seven-speed automatic transmission.
- Mild-hybrid technology.
2026 BMW 330i Offers Classic Sedan Utility and Ample Cargo Space
The BMW 330i features a traditional four-door sedan configuration, providing a secure, conventional trunk with 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This classic design ensures a reliable and spacious cargo-loading experience for daily driving, distinguishing its approach from the liftback configuration found on the A5.
BMW 330i Utility Includes
- Five-passenger seating.
- 17 cubic feet of trunk space.
- Traditional four-door sedan configuration.
- Rear-wheel drive or available xDrive.
- Available panoramic moonroof.
- Available power-operated trunk.
Audi A5 Utility Includes
- Five-passenger seating.
- 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Liftback rear opening.
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive.
- Available panoramic sunroof.
- Available surround-view camera system.
2026 BMW 330i Uses BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5
The BMW 330i combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running BMW iDrive 8.5. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while available equipment includes a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and wireless smartphone charging.
BMW 330i Technology Includes
- BMW Curved Display.
- iDrive 8.5.
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display.
- 14.9-inch central touchscreen.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®.
- Wireless Android Auto™.
- Available head-up display.
- Available Harman Kardon® audio.
- Available wireless smartphone charging.
Audi A5 Technology Includes
- Digital instrument display.
- Central infotainment touchscreen.
- Revised infotainment menus for 2026.
- Navigation.
- Redesigned steering-wheel controls.
- Available head-up display.
- Available Bang & Olufsen® audio.
- Available surround-view camera system.
What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 BMW 330i?
Car and Driver's evaluation of the 2026 BMW 3 Series examined the 330i's engine, transmission, handling, interior, technology, fuel economy, and cargo capacity. Its testing recorded 5.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for the 330i xDrive.
"Well-tuned engines, athletic handling, upscale cabin with easy-to-use tech."
Source: Car and Driver, 2026 BMW 3-Series ReviewWhat Are 2026 BMW 330i Owners Saying?
A Carfax owner review of the BMW 3 Series comments on its look, color, smoothness, and quickness.
"Amazing look and color drives like a beauty, very smooth and quick"
Source: Carfax, BMW 3 SeriesFrequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2026 BMW 330i produce?
The 2026 BMW 330i produces 255 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine.
Does the 2026 BMW 330i offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 330i is available with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
How much cargo space does the BMW 330i have?
The 2026 BMW 330i provides 17 cubic feet of trunk space.
What transmission does the BMW 330i use?
The 2026 BMW 330i uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Where is BMW of Cincinnati North located?
BMW of Cincinnati North is located at 105 West Kemper Road in Cincinnati, Ohio.
We Help Cincinnati Drivers Explore the 2026 BMW 330i
BMW of Cincinnati North is located at 105 West Kemper Road in Cincinnati, where we provide BMW vehicle sales along with financing, trade-in assistance, service, and genuine BMW parts. Our dealership serves Cincinnati-area communities and can help shoppers explore available 330i configurations.
For shoppers considering the 330i, our team can review available trims, rear-wheel-drive and xDrive configurations, technology, financing options, trade-in opportunities, and current inventory before arranging a test drive.