Audi A4 B9 vs Peugeot 408 P54

Audi A4

B9 · 2015 – 2024

The fifth-generation A4 (B9), on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.

Peugeot 408

P54 · 2022 – 2026

The 408 (P54), a fastback crossover on EMP2 with the electric e-408.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A4

Pick the B9 for the refined, tech-rich A4 with the quiet 40 TDI diesel and premium interior — ideally a post-facelift car with full history.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (190 hp diesel) or 40 TFSI (190 hp petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 408

Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and the electric e-408.

Best engine: The 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or the e-408 for full electric.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Audi A4	Peugeot 408
Power	190 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	320 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	129,3 hp/t Winner	92,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	137 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,0 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A4	Peugeot 408
Boot	480 L	536 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.611 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,73 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,6 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.700 kg Winner	1.400 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A4	Peugeot 408
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 40/45 TFSI e PHEV	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV)
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	6-speed manual · e-DSC6
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
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

Peugeot 408

1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Audi A4

Class-leading interior quality & finish
Efficient, quiet EA288 diesel
Composed ride with optional quattro

Peugeot 408

Striking fastback design
Modern i-Cockpit interior
All-electric e-408

Cons

Audi A4

Firm ride on S line + big wheels
Less engaging steering than the 3 Series

Peugeot 408

No diesel offered
Boot smaller than classic saloons

Driving experience

Audi A4

What defines the B9 is how quietly it gets on with the job. The cabin is hushed, the ride composed, and quattro ultra shuffles torque between the axles without ever letting on, giving a planted, almost understeer-free security. Steering is accurate but deliberately light and never asks much of you. Engines are the real story: the 2.0 TFSI is brisk and tractable, the 2.0 TDI the sensible long-distance choice, and the 3.0 TDI V6 pulls like a locomotive with the manners of a far larger car. The S tronic snaps through gears crisply; the tiptronic simply dissolves them. What you give up in steering feel you win back in effortless progress.

Peugeot 408

The P54 is a liftback with a crossover stance, and it drives with an easy, planted feel. Built on the EMP2 bones shared with the 308 III, it stays light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the raised body adds visibility without making the ride busy. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels accurate and the car settles into an easy rhythm. The 1.2 Hybrid is eager, the e-408 delivers instant, near-silent torque, and the EAT8 automatic shifts smoothly. It is a comfortable, easy crossover-liftback, not a sporty one.