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Audi A4 B9 vs BMW 5 Series G30

Audi A4

Audi A4

B9 · 2015 – 2024

The fifth-generation A4 on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.

VS
BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

G30 · 2016 – 2023

The seventh-generation 5 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.

First car
Second car

Verdict

Pick this one if…

Audi A4

Pick the A4 for class-leading interior quality, a quiet ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW 5 Series

Pick the 5 Series for a benchmark balance of comfort and handling, a hushed ride and a big boot in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The 520d (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs B48 520i · Petrol

Audi A4 BMW 5 Series
Power
190 hp Winner
184 hp
Torque
320 Nm Winner
290 Nm
0–100 km/h
7,3 s Winner
7,8 s
Top speed
240 km/h Winner
235 km/h
Power-to-weight
129,3 hp/t Winner
119,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
137 g/km Winner
140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)
6,0 L/100km Winner
6,2 L/100km

Dimensions & space

Audi A4 BMW 5 Series
Boot
480 L
530 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)
—
—
Wheelbase
2,82 m
2,98 m Winner
Length
4,73 m
4,94 m
Ground clearance
13,0 cm
14,4 cm
Turning circle
11,6 m Winner
12,0 m
Towing capacity (braked)
1.700 kg
2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

Audi A4 BMW 5 Series
Platform MLB Evo (longitudinal) CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission 7-speed S tronic 8-speed automatic
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6d-TEMP Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A4
  • S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early 2.0 TDI
  • AdBlue/SCR issues on EA288 diesels
  • MMI (MIB2) infotainment can reboot or freeze
BMW 5 Series
  • EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
  • Early iDrive (NBT EVO) software quirks
  • Level sensor of the optional air suspension can fail

Pros

Audi A4
  • Class-leading interior quality & finish
  • Efficient, quiet EA288 diesel
  • Composed ride with optional quattro
BMW 5 Series
  • Benchmark ride/handling balance (CLAR)
  • Efficient, quiet B47/B48 engines
  • Big boot (530 l) & roomy cabin

Cons

Audi A4
  • Firm ride on S line + big wheels
  • Less engaging steering than the 3 Series
BMW 5 Series
  • Firm ride on M Sport + run-flat
  • Pricey options list

For sale at dealers