Audi A5 F5 vs BMW 2 Series G42
Audi A5
F5 · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.
BMW 2 Series
G42 · 2021 – 2026
The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR 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
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
7,5 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
236 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
124,6 hp/t
Winner
|
119,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
133 g/km
Winner
|
150 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
|
2,74 m
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,54 m
|
| Ground clearance |
11,5 cm
|
14,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,5 m
|
11,1 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.900 kg
Winner
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A5 | BMW 2 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | CLAR (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 | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol · B47 2.0 diesel (mild-hybrid) |
| Transmission | S tronic (DSG) | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| 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
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Steering-related campaigns (early cars, VIN-specific)
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
- Bigger, wider and more mature than the F22
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step over N20/N55
- M240i (B58) remains the enthusiast favourite and holds value
Cons
- 2-door Coupé has tight rear access
- 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts Sportback boot space to 405 litres
- No convertible in this generation
- No manual gearbox available
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
Bigger, heavier and more grown-up than the F22, but still rear-wheel drive. The G42 rides with better isolation, steers accurately with decent weighting, and remains balanced and adjustable through corners, if a touch less playful than before. Rear-drive is standard; xDrive on the M240i adds grip and pace. The B48 four is smooth and efficient, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and fast, and the 220d is the economical distance pick. The 8-speed automatic is excellent; there is no manual in this generation. It is a more mature, more comfortable car than the F22, with the same rear-drive character and less of the edge.
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
