Audi A5 F5 vs BMW M2 F87
Audi A5
F5 · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.
BMW M2
F87 · 2016 – 2021
The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 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 M2
Pick the F87 for the purest, lightest modern M2 — N55 character or the S55 Competition, both manual/DCT and rear-drive only.
Performance
EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M2 Competition · Petrol
| Audi A5 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
190 hp
|
410 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
320 Nm
|
550 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
|
4,2 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
124,6 hp/t
|
260,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
133 g/km
Winner
|
209 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi A5 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
|
4,46 m
|
| Ground clearance |
11,5 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,5 m
Winner
|
11,7 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.900 kg
Winner
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A5 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 40/45 TFSI e PHEV | N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | S tronic (DSG) | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT |
| 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
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
- S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
- Cooling system and differential seals
Pros
- Elegant coupé styling
- Refined, composed ride (quattro)
- Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
- Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
- Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
- Manual gearbox and DCT available
Cons
- Firm ride on S line / big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (coupé)
- No adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
- Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)
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 M2
One of the most engaging modern M cars. Sharp, communicative steering, excellent balance and a playful rear-drive character. The chassis is taut and rewarding on twisty roads or track. The base M2 (N55) is responsive and characterful; the Competition (S55) is stronger, more free-revving and more aggressive. The manual gearbox is engaging; the DCT is quick and capable. Adaptive dampers are not fitted (fixed sport setup). Overall a focused, fun and involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver involvement over pure comfort.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
