Audi A5 vs BMW i4

The BMW i4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Audi A5, a 90 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.

Across 4 measured categories, the BMW i4 leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Audi A5

Subcompact Cars · 40 configurations

30mpg combined (best)
All Audi A5 specs

2022–2026

BMW i4

Subcompact Cars · 33 configurations

120mpg combined (best)
All BMW i4 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricAudi A5BMW i4
Best combined MPG30 mpg120 mpg
Best city MPG26 mpg122 mpg
Best highway MPG36 mpg119 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,550$650
Lowest CO2 output300 g/miNot available
Engines offeredSIDI;, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; FFVNot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S8)Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Premium or E85Electricity
EPA classSubcompact CarsSubcompact Cars
Years covered2015–20272022–2026
Configurations on record4033

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

A5 vs i4: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Audi A5 or the BMW i4?

The BMW i4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Audi A5, a 90 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW i4 runs about $650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Audi A5 — a difference of roughly $1,900 per year.

What engines do the A5 and i4 offer?

Audi A5: SIDI;, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; FFV. BMW i4: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Audi A5 and the BMW i4 as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.

More A5 comparisons

Comparison id: audi-a5-vs-bmw-i4