VS
At a Glance
Power
146 kW
140 kW
Torque
340 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
7.5 s
Engine
1984 cc
1995 cc
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the BMW 4 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi A5 delivers 146 kW while the BMW 4 Series produces 140 kW. On fuel, the A5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the 4 Series uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 166 800 for the A5 and R1 052 544 for the 4 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
146 kW
140 kW
Torque
340 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
7.5 s
Top Speed
248 Km/h
233 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1995 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
131 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4829 mm
4783 mm
Width
1860-2099 mm
1852-2081 mm
Height
1444 mm
1442 mm
Wheelbase
2892 mm
2856 mm
Ground Clearance
—
127 mm
Kerb Weight
1653 Kg
1705 DIN / 1780 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
445-1299 l
470-1290 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
642 l
555 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
A5
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
More powerful engine (146 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 052 544)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.5 ss)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 146 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or 4 Series?
The A5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the 4 Series uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or 4 Series?
The A5 produces 146 kW and 340 Nm of torque while the 4 Series delivers 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The A5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and 4 Series?
The A5 starts from R1 166 800 and the 4 Series from R1 052 544. The 4 Series is cheaper by R114 256 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A5 or 4 Series?
The A5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the 4 Series can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A5 or the 4 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.