BMW 5 Series vs Audi A5

The BMW 5 Series starts from $114,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi A5 opens at $79,900. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $35,000.

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 $126,390 and $87,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the BMW 5 Series and Audi A5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW 5 Series and 87% for the Audi A5.

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 5 Series.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 5 Series and 7 in the Audi A5. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 5 Series misses.

The BMW 5 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi A5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW 5 Series stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi A5. The Audi A5 counters with ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW 5 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi A5 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW 5 Series and 3-zone in the Audi A5.

The BMW 5 Series uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.

The Audi A5 responds with a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 150kW and 340Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The Audi A5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 5 Series is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW 5 Series measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 231mm longer than the Audi A5 at 4,829mm (2,892mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the BMW 5 Series and 445L in the Audi A5, giving the BMW 5 Series a 75L advantage.

For towing, the BMW 5 Series leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,910/year for the BMW 5 Series and $1,967/year for the Audi A5. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.

Estimated annual total: $1,910 (BMW 5 Series) vs $1,967 (Audi A5). The BMW 5 Series saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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