The comparison of the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 Audi A5 is filled with uncanny similarities and wide disparities. While neither car has bowed to the SUV trend that has swept the automotive industry, its influence is evident in how these vehicles have evolved.
For the 2025 model year, the BMW 4 Series offers American buyers a broad range of body styles: a two-door coupe, a convertible, and a four-door Sportback. The last of these is, in part, a response to the SUV craze because it includes five-passenger seating and a large, versatile cargo area. While every one of the 4 Series models is good-looking, this bow to functionality is plain in what BMW calls the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Audi, which had previously fielded an A5 model lineup almost identical to the BMW 4 Series, has taken things further. For the 2025 model year, it eliminated U.S. versions of the A5 coupe and cabriolet (convertible), concentrating all its efforts on the A5 Sportback. A swoopy-looking four-door hatchback, the A5 is the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's logical competitor.
As another note of interest, Audi has already introduced an all-new A5 lineup in Europe, and the car will likely appear in America in 2025.
So, the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 face off for the 2025 model year, bringing different teams to the competition. At the same time, the attractive cars share several key attributes. They offer big-car comfort and convenience, including heated and ventilated seats, semi-autonomous driving systems, and premium audio that will rock your world if you want it to.
Considering all-around automotive technology, they feature impressive rosters of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), comprehensive connectivity, and fuel-efficient mild-hybrid powertrains. Influenced by SUVs, they also offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems that enhance bad-weather road-holding and dry-road handling and performance.
If you want a traditional two-door coupe or wind-in-your-toupee convertible, your choice is clear. The A5 doesn't offer these body styles for 2025. But if you seek a striking four-door luxury hatchback filled with features, the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 Audi A5 will make your decision difficult.
2025 BMW M440i Gran Coupe xDrive
BMW offers the 2025 4 Series in two mainstream model series—430i and M440i—available as a coupe, convertible, and a four-door coupe dubbed the Gran Coupe. The xDrive AWD system is optional, while the high-performance M4 models cater to those seeking top-tier performance. The 430i coupe is the most affordable, starting at $50,700, and the M440i xDrive convertible is the priciest at $74,250. The Gran Coupe—the most direct competitor to the A5 Sportback— starts at $49,200. Prices do not include the $1,175 destination charge.
The 4 Series comes with BMW Connected Package Professional, providing real-time traffic and parking information, navigation, and voice command for four years post-purchase. Additionally, scheduled maintenance is complimentary for three years or 36,000 miles, and free roadside assistance is available for four years with no mileage limit.
The 2025 Audi A5 lineup says goodbye to the former coupe and cabriolet models to offer only the Sportback body style. It provides three mainstream model series—40 TFSI, S line 45 TFSI, and S5—plus the RS 5 performance specialty model. All feature the brand’s Quattro AWD system. At $46,300, the 40 TFSI is the least expensive A5 model, while the RS 5 tops the range with an MSRP of $79,900. Prices do not include the $1,295 destination charge.
The 2025 A5 offers complimentary roadside assistance for four years with no mileage limit, but Audi does not provide free scheduled maintenance. Audi Connect Care offers complimentary services that include emergency calls, remote lock/unlock, remote start, stolen-vehicle locator, and vehicle status.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The A5 is generally less expensive than the 4 Series overall, but BMW offers free scheduled maintenance.
2025 Audi A5 Sportback S line 45
The BMW 4 Series ranks second in the Compact Premium Car segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The 4 Series does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers a standard four years or 50,000 miles warranty and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles.
The Audi A5 does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2024 VDS or the 2024 IQS. Its basic warranty coverage matches that of the 4 Series.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The BMW 4 Series ranks among the top three models in its segment in vehicle dependability.
2025 BMW M440i Gran Coupe xDrive
The 2025 BMW 4 Series offers two engine options for its mainstream models, plus high-performance M4 coupe and convertible variants with as much as 543 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid support delivering 255 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque powers the base 430i. The M440i models come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine supported by a mild-hybrid system, producing 386 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. They pair with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 430i coupe at 31 mpg in combined driving, while the RWD M440i achieves 30 mpg. Opting for AWD reduces each model's EPA estimate by one mile per gallon.
The 2025 Audi A5 offers four engine choices. The base 40 TFSI series features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque. The S line 45 TFSI has a similar engine producing 261 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. The S5 Sportback features a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder rated at 349 hp/369 pound-feet of torque, and the performance RS 5 has a 2.9-liter six-cylinder delivering 444 hp and 442 pound-feet of torque. All 2025 Audi A5 models include an automatic transmission and AWD; all but the RS 5 have mild-hybrid systems.
The EPA has not yet rated the 2025 A5’s fuel economy as of this writing. However, it estimated the virtually identical 2024 Sportback at 30 mpg combined, while the S line got a 27-mpg combined estimate. The EPA estimated the 2024 RS 5 Sportback’s fuel economy at 20 mpg combined.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The 4 Series offers more horsepower on a comparable-model basis.
2025 Audi A5 Sportback S line 45
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the 4 Series and A5 stack up? Let's take a look.
The 2025 BMW 4 Series boasts a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS in BMW's Active Guard and Active Driving Assistant systems. Beyond the tech mentioned above, components include active blind-spot collision avoidance and traffic-sign recognition. The optional Active Driving Assistant Pro features automatic emergency steering, lane-change assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Its traffic-jam assist offers hands-free driving on certain roads at speeds up to 40 mph.
At the time of writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to publish an overall safety rating for the 2025 BMW 4 Series. Still, it gave the structurally similar BMW 3 Series sedan, on which it is based, the highest-possible five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the 2025 4 Series.
Compared to some rivals, the 2025 Audi A5 has a different standard and optional ADAS list. For instance, adaptive cruise control is standard, but blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are not. Those warnings are available on some A5 trims, and a surround-view camera, head-up instrument display, and parking assistance are also available.
As of this writing, the NHTSA has not rated the 2025 Audi A5’s crashworthiness, but it awarded the structurally similar 2024 Sportback model the highest-possible five-star overall rating. Meanwhile, the IIHS has not rated the 2025 Audi A5; it did not award the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The 4 Series offers a more comprehensive ADAS roster.
2025 BMW M4 Coupe
The new BMW Operating System 8.5, featuring a 14.9-inch digital display, powers the 2025 BMW 4 Series infotainment. Control comes via voice, touchscreen, or the console-mounted iDrive touchpad. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a one-year SiriusXM Platinum satellite radio trial. It also supports cloud-based navigation and over-the-air map updates. A Harman Kardon premium audio system is optional.
Additionally, the 4 Series offers BMW Remote Services, which include remote door unlock, stolen-vehicle recovery, remote lights activation, and remote climate control. BMW's Connected Package Professional provides traffic and parking information, music, weather, and navigation with natural-speech input for various functions.
The 4 Series' Active Protection System (APS) detects potential crashes and prepares the vehicle for impact by pre-tensioning safety belts and closing the windows and moonroof. If a collision occurs, it initiates post-crash braking. BMW Assist eCall supplements the APS. It includes emergency requests and delivers automatic collision notifications.
Audi equips the 2025 A5 with its MMI touch display infotainment system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and AM/FM/HD Radio are standard. SiriusXM with 360L comes with a trial subscription in the Convenience package. A connected navigation system that includes Amazon Alexa integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot is free for the first six months, and a Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker upscale audio unit is an option.
Audi Connect offers A5 buyers a wide range of connectivity, and many levels provide trial subscriptions. The free Audi Connect Care includes remote door lock/unlock, remote start, stolen-vehicle locator, and vehicle status. Audi Connect Nav includes real-time traffic information, point-of-interest search, and natural-voice recognition. It offers a free six-month trial.
Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display that integrates various driver information. Three display modes make that information customizable.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The BMW offers a larger touchscreen and a more comprehensive range of tech features.
2025 Audi A5 Sportback S line 45
The five-passenger BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the model most analogous to the 2025 Audi A5, available only in Sportback form. Like its coupe and convertible siblings, the Gran Coupe has an opulent cabin featuring luxurious materials. It includes the BMW Curved Display that integrates the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Keyless entry and multi-zone automatic climate control are standard convenience features.
The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and the driver's seat has power-adjustable lumbar support. Heated front seats are standard, and heated rear seats and ventilated seats are widely available. The Gran Coupe features standard perforated synthetic leather seats, while genuine leather seats are optional. The Gran Coupe's rear seat has a 40/20/40 split-folding configuration. The 4 Series Gran Coupe and the rival A5 Sportback are closely matched in most key interior dimensions.
The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers 16.6 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seat and 45.6 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seat folded. The 4 Series coupe has a 12-cubic-foot trunk, and the convertible offers 11 cubic feet of trunk space.
Though Audi will soon replace the 2025 Audi A5 with an all-new version, its interior remains contemporary and attractive. A 7-inch driver information display is standard, and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is standard on many A5s. The interior design includes a shift lever and dedicated controls for many vehicle functions, which are now starting to seem like "old school" touches but are welcome by many.
Audi makes heated eight-way power-adjusted driver's and front passenger seats standard on the A5. Leather seats are standard, and ventilated front seats are available on some trims. The S line interior trim package includes brushed aluminum accents, stainless steel pedals, and unique leather/synthetic leather seats.
The A5 benefits from its hatchback body style. Behind the rear seats, it offers 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With the split rear seatback folded, the maximum cargo capacity is 35.0 cubic feet. The power tailgate aids in loading and unloading.
Advantage: BMW 4 Series
Why? The 4 Series offers a variety of body styles to suit individual preferences, and the Gran Coupe has better seat adjustability and larger, more modern digital displays.
If you’d like to learn more about these sport luxury cars, be sure to read our expert reviews of the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on September 30, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
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