Audi A4 vs BMW 5 Series
Overview | |
Years produced1996-Present | Years produced1972-Present |
MSRP$39,900 | MSRP$59,900 |
Listings3246 | Listings8840 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryWe’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in a 2022 Audi A4 Prestige 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan. | |
Reviews SummaryThe BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model. Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 201 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower201 hp @ 4200 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 201 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque236 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower201 hp @ 4200 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.0 cu ft | Cargo Space18.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3682 lbs | Curb Weight4041 lbs |
Height56.2 in | Height59.6 in |
Length187.5 in | Length199.2 in |
Width79.6 in | Width84.9 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase117.9 in |
Maximum Payload1014 lbs | Maximum Payload977 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1996-Present | 1972-Present |
MSRP | $39,900 | $59,900 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in a 2022 Audi A4 Prestige 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan. | The BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model. Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 201 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 201 hp @ 4200 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 201 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 236 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 201 hp @ 4200 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.0 cu ft | 18.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3682 lbs | 4041 lbs |
Height | 56.2 in | 59.6 in |
Length | 187.5 in | 199.2 in |
Width | 79.6 in | 84.9 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 117.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1014 lbs | 977 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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