Audi S5 vs BMW i4

The Audi S5 starts from $99,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i4 opens at $88,900. That makes the BMW i4 the more affordable entry point by $11,000.

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 $109,890 and $97,790 respectively.

The BMW i4 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi S5 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.

The Audi S5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the BMW i4. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi S5 and 87% for the BMW i4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi S5, against 6 on 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 S5 and 6 in the BMW i4.

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 S5 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 S5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW i4. The BMW i4 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi S5 gets leather upholstery while the BMW i4 offers sensatec synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi S5 and 2-zone in the BMW i4.

The Audi S5 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 Audi S5 has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi S5 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi S5 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 S5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 445L in the Audi S5 and 470L in the BMW i4, giving the BMW i4 a 25L advantage.

For towing, the Audi S5 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 S5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i4). Both match on warranty length.