Audi A5 vs BMW i4

The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i4 opens at $88,900. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $9,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $97,790 respectively.

The BMW i4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi A5 and BMW i4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi A5 and 87% for the BMW i4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A5 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW i4.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A5 and 6 in the BMW i4. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW i4 misses.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Audi A5 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the BMW i4 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i4. The BMW i4 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the BMW i4 offers sensatec synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the BMW i4.

The Audi A5 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The BMW i4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.

The BMW i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi A5 measures 4,829mm long on a 2,892mm wheelbase, 46mm longer than the BMW i4 at 4,783mm (2,856mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 445L in the Audi A5 and 470L in the BMW i4, giving the BMW i4 a 25L advantage.

For towing, the Audi A5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i4). Both match on warranty length.