Audi A4 vs BMW X1

Audi A4

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

VS

BMW X1

BMW’s first front-wheel-drive-based compact SUV.

First car

Second car

Performance

EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs B48 20i · Petrol

	Audi A4	BMW X1
Power	190 hp	192 hp Winner
Torque	320 Nm Winner	280 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	226 km/h
Power-to-weight	129,3 hp/t Winner	127,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	137 g/km	134 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,0 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A4	BMW X1
Boot	480 L	505 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.550 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,73 m	4,44 m
Width	1,84 m	1,82 m
Height	1,43 m	1,60 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A4	BMW X1
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the Mini Countryman)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid	B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed S tronic (DSG)	8-speed automatic · 6-speed manual
Euro standard	Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (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 X1

EGR clogging on diesels
Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)

Pros

Audi A4

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

BMW X1

Sharp BMW handling
Proven B-series engines
Optional xDrive all-wheel drive

Cons

Audi A4

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

BMW X1

Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)

Compare specific generations

B9 · 2015 – 2024 vs E84 · 2009 – 2015 Compare B9 · 2015 – 2024 vs F48 · 2015 – 2022 Compare

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 X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel) — powerful and refined.

Read the full guide

For sale at dealers

Audi A4

23 for sale · from € 8.890

Audi A4

Audi A4 40 TFSI · Camera · CarPlay · Navigation

05/2021 66.863 km Petrol 150 kW (204 hp) Euro 6d

Audi A4

Audi A4 35 TFSI · S line · CarPlay · Navigation · LED

06/2019 133.938 km Petrol 110 kW (150 hp) Euro 6d

Audi A4

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay

03/2021 94.000 km CNG 125 kW (170 hp) Euro 6d-TEMP

Garage des Chaufours SRL

Audi A4

Audi A4 30TDi · CarPlay · LED · Leather

08/2021 113.747 km Diesel 100 kW (136 hp) Euro 6d

Bayern Motors NV

BMW X1

70 for sale · from € 6.990

BMW X1

BMW X1 xDrive25e · plug-in hybrid · Camera · LED · Head-up dis…

01/2022 103.539 km Plug-in hybrid 92 kW (125 hp) Euro 6d

Cornette Automotive BV

BMW X1

BMW X1 sDrive18d · Camera · CarPlay · LED

01/2024 45.651 km Diesel 110 kW (150 hp) Euro 6e

BMW X1

BMW X1 Panoramic roof · Camera · Navigation

07/2020 60.000 km Petrol 103 kW (140 hp) Euro 6d

BMW X1

BMW X1 Camera · CarPlay · Navigation

06/2025 53.000 km Petrol 100 kW (136 hp) Euro 6e