BMW 4 Series vs Audi A7
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 4 Series starts from $83,500 before on-road costs, while the Audi A7 opens at $144,200. That makes the BMW 4 Series the more affordable entry point by $60,700.
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 $91,850 and $158,620 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 4 Series and Audi A7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the BMW 4 Series and 93% for the Audi A7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A7 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW 4 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 4 Series and 7 in the Audi A7. The Audi A7 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 4 Series misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 4 Series features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A7 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A7 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that the BMW 4 Series does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Audi A7 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 250kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Audi A7 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A7 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 4 Series measures 4,770mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 199mm shorter than the Audi A7 at 4,969mm (2,926mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW 4 Series and 535L in the Audi A7, giving the Audi A7 a 95L advantage. The Audi A7 seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Audi A7 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series and $1,995/year for the Audi A7. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Audi A7.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (BMW 4 Series) vs $1,995 (Audi A7). The Audi A7 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A7). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A7 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Audi A7 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi A7 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 4 Series and Audi A7?
The BMW 4 Series is the cheapest at $83,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A7 by $60,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A7 uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 4 Series and Audi A7 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A7 has the largest boot at 535L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A7 makes the most power at 250kW. The Audi A7 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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