Audi A5 F5 vs BMW 2 Series F22
Audi A5
F5 · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.
BMW 2 Series
F22 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Coupé (F22), on the rear-wheel-drive F20 platform.
Audi A5
Pick the F5 for the Sportback’s 465-litre boot and quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with Virtual Cockpit.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.
Performance
EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs 220i · Petrol
| Audi A5 | BMW 2 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
190 hp
Winner
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
320 Nm
Winner
|
290 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
|
7,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
232 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
124,6 hp/t
|
126,9 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
133 g/km
Winner
|
140 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi A5 | BMW 2 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
465 L
Winner
|
390 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.280 L
Winner
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,82 m
Winner
|
2,69 m
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,43 m
|
| Ground clearance |
11,5 cm
|
14,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,5 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.900 kg
Winner
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A5 | BMW 2 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | F20 (rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 40/45 TFSI e PHEV | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · N55/B58 3.0 petrol · N47/B47 2.0 diesel |
| Transmission | S tronic (DSG) | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early cars
- AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
- Early MMI infotainment quirks
- N20 timing chain and oil leaks (pre-2016)
- N55 wastegate and oil consumption (M235i, high mileage)
- iDrive glitches and battery drain (early cars)
Pros
- 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
- Virtual Cockpit available across all years — post-2019 facelift upgrades to MIB3 touchscreen
- MLB Evo platform — lighter and stiffer than the first-generation 8T
- LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and infotainment
- M240i (B58) is the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- Post-facelift (2017+) cars are more reliable
Cons
- 2-door Coupé has tight rear access
- 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts Sportback boot space to 405 litres
- Cabriolet (F23) roof mechanism can be costly
- N20 (pre-2016) chain wear — buy only with proof
Driving experience
Audi A5
Stylish, comfortable and easy to drive quickly. The A5 steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well, and stays quiet at speed. Front-drive versions are efficient; quattro adds strong traction and a more planted feel, especially on the 2.0 and 3.0 engines. The 2.0 TFSI is smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI is the economical distance choice, and the S5 3.0 V6 adds genuine pace. The S tronic is quick; the tiptronic smooth. It is a polished, style-led coupe/sportback that prioritises comfort and looks over outright driver involvement.
BMW 2 Series
Genuinely engaging, with a rear-drive balance that is rare at this size. The F22 steers quickly and talks clearly through the wheel, turns in keenly, and its tail is happy to help rotate the car under power. Rear-drive is the pure choice; xDrive adds traction but blunts some of the playfulness. The B48 four is smooth and willing, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and characterful, and the 220d is the sensible distance choice. The 8-speed automatic is quick; the manual is genuinely rewarding. It is the last true compact rear-drive BMW coupe, and it feels like it.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Audi A5
34 for sale · from € 6.750
BMW 2 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
