BMW 4 Series vs Audi A5
The BMW 4 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Audi A5, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the BMW 4 Series leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 4 Series | Audi A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 ✓ | $2,550 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 285 g/mi ✓ | 300 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S | SIDI;, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 160 | 40 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
4 Series vs A5: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 4 Series or the Audi A5?
The BMW 4 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Audi A5, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 4 Series runs about $2,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Audi A5 — a difference of roughly $100 per year.
What engines do the 4 Series and A5 offer?
BMW 4 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S. Audi A5: SIDI;, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the BMW 4 Series as Compact Cars and the Audi A5 as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More 4 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-4-series-vs-audi-a5