Audi A5 F5 vs BMW M4 G82
Audi A5
F5 · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.
BMW M4
G82 · 2021 – 2026
The current M4 Coupé (G82), on the CLAR platform shared with the 4 Series.
Audi A5
Pick the F5 for the Sportback’s 465-litre boot and quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with Virtual Cockpit.
BMW M4
Pick the G82 for the M4 Coupé with the S58 and optional M xDrive — quicker off the line and more secure than rear-drive-only rivals.
Performance
EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M4 Competition · Petrol
| Audi A5 | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
190 hp
|
510 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
320 Nm
|
650 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
|
3,9 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
124,6 hp/t
|
283,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
133 g/km
Winner
|
230 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi A5 | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
465 L
Winner
|
440 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.280 L
Winner
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,82 m
|
2,86 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Ground clearance |
11,5 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,5 m
Winner
|
12,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.900 kg
Winner
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A5 | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | CLAR (G82, rear-wheel drive or xDrive) |
| 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 | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| 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
- IBS recalls (integrated brake system, check VIN)
- Oil-cooler/seal seepage (early cars)
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
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
- S58 addressed the S55 weaknesses (crank hub/rod bearings)
- Manual (base) still available — rare among performance coupés
- xDrive versions: 0–100 in ~3.5 s
Cons
- 2-door Coupé has tight rear access
- 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts Sportback boot space to 405 litres
- Exposed oil cooler is vulnerable to stone chips
- Brake squeal is common (bedding/pads)
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 M4
Powerful, refined and highly engaging. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and involving. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a focused high-performance coupé that balances dynamics with modern refinement.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
