BMW Z4 vs Audi S5
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.
BMW Z4
$99,200 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol
145kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
281L
Audi S5
From $99,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol MHEV
270kW
7.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
445L
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Price Breakdown
The BMW Z4 starts from $99,200 before on-road costs, while the Audi S5 opens at $99,900. That makes the BMW Z4 the more affordable entry point by $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 $109,120 and $109,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW Z4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi S5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi S5 counters with head-up display, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW Z4 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Audi S5 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW Z4 and 3-zone in the Audi S5.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The Audi S5 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 270kW and 550Nm, paired to a s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Audi S5 has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 145kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi S5 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,324mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 505mm shorter than the Audi S5 at 4,829mm (2,892mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi S5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 281L in the BMW Z4 and 445L in the Audi S5, giving the Audi S5 a 164L advantage. The Audi S5 seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW Z4 and $2,024/year for the Audi S5. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi S5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi S5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi S5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The BMW Z4 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi S5 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 Z4 and Audi S5?
The BMW Z4 is the cheapest at $99,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi S5 by $700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW Z4 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Audi S5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW Z4, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi S5 has the largest boot at 445L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi S5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi S5 makes the most power at 270kW. The Audi S5 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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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