Audi A4 vs BMW 5 Series
Audi A4
The fifth-generation A4 on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.
VS
BMW 5 Series
The seventh-generation 5 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
First car
Second car
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
|
| Width |
1,84 m
|
1,87 m
|
| Height |
1,43 m
|
1,48 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
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 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic (DSG) | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
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
Compare specific generations
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
For sale at dealers
Audi A4
23 for sale · from € 8.890
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€ 24.995
V-Motors Bvba
V-Motors Bvba
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€ 17.490
Autodirect
Autodirect
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Audi A4 2.0 TFSI · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
€ 18.999
Garage des Chaufours SRL
Garage des Chaufours SRL
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€ 18.199
Bayern Motors NV
Bayern Motors NV