Audi A5 F5 vs BMW 4 Series F32
Audi A5
F5 · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.
BMW 4 Series
F32 · 2014 – 2020
The first-generation 4 Series Coupé (F32), on the rear-wheel-drive F30 platform.
Audi A5
Pick the F5 for the elegant, tech-rich A5 with the smooth 2.0 TFSI and optional quattro — ideally a well-kept post-facelift car.
BMW 4 Series
Pick the F32 for the pre-2020 4 Series Coupé with timeless lines and the eager B58 (440i) — before the G22’s controversial grille.
Performance
EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs 420i · Petrol
| Audi A5 | BMW 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
190 hp
Winner
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
320 Nm
Winner
|
290 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
|
7,3 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
236 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
124,6 hp/t
Winner
|
120,3 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
133 g/km
Winner
|
145 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,2 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi A5 | BMW 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
465 L
Winner
|
445 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.280 L
Winner
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,82 m
Winner
|
2,81 m
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,64 m
|
| Ground clearance |
11,5 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,5 m
|
11,3 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.900 kg
Winner
|
1.800 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A5 | BMW 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | F30/F32 (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 | N20/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) needs maintenance on early cars
- AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
- Early MMI infotainment quirks
- N20 timing chain (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (435i)
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
Pros
- Elegant coupé styling
- Refined, composed ride (quattro)
- Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
- LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and iDrive
- Timeless coupé line without the G22 grille
- xDrive available for all-weather traction
Cons
- Firm ride on S line / big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (coupé)
- N20 pre-LCI engines carry timing-chain risk
- Tight rear seats and access for this class
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 4 Series
Classic BMW dynamics: precise steering, balanced chassis and strong rear-drive feel. The car is engaging on twisty roads and stable at speed. xDrive versions are more neutral and secure in poor conditions. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range. The B58 440i is the standout for character and refinement; B48 four-cylinders are smooth and responsive. Early N20 and N55 cars are also capable but feel less refined than the later B-series engines. Overall a stylish, driver-focused coupé that prioritises dynamics over pure comfort.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Audi A5
34 for sale · from € 6.750
BMW 4 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
