Audi A5 F5 vs BMW M2 G87
Audi A5
F5 · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.
BMW M2
G87 · 2023 – 2026
The second-generation M2 (G87), on the CLAR platform with the S58 twin-turbo.
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 G87 for the S58-powered M2 that’s quicker, more refined and adaptive-damped versus the F87.
Performance
EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M2 · Petrol
| Audi A5 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
190 hp
|
460 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
320 Nm
|
550 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
|
4,1 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
124,6 hp/t
|
259,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
133 g/km
Winner
|
226 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
|
2,75 m
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,58 m
|
| Ground clearance |
11,5 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,5 m
Winner
|
12,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.900 kg
Winner
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A5 | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | CLAR (G87, 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 | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | S tronic (DSG) | 6-speed manual · 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) needs maintenance on early cars
- AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
- Early MMI infotainment quirks
- Software/iDrive glitches (early examples)
- Cooling system and tyre wear under hard use
- High brake and maintenance costs (M brakes)
Pros
- Elegant coupé styling
- Refined, composed ride (quattro)
- Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
- S58 twin-turbo is strong and free-revving with excellent mid-range
- Shorter wheelbase makes it more agile than the M3/M4
- Adaptive M suspension offers a range between sporty and comfortable
Cons
- Firm ride on S line / big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (coupé)
- Bigger and heavier than the F87 (~1,700–1,790 kg)
- Cramped rear seats (2+2)
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
Engaging, balanced and fun. Sharp, well-weighted steering, excellent chassis balance and a playful rear-drive character. The shorter wheelbase makes it feel more agile and responsive than the larger M3/M4. Adaptive M suspension offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual is involving; the ZF 8-speed is quick and smooth. Overall a focused, involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver engagement while offering better refinement than the F87.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
