2025 Audi A7 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A7 strides onto the scene as the sophisticated liftback, promising refined power with its 335 hp engine and standard all-wheel drive, making the $72,000 entry fee appeal to those valuing presence. Contrastingly, the 2026 BMW 4 Series coupe excites with nimble, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, arriving significantly leaner at $52,600. While the Audi boasts a higher 25 MPG combined efficiency and a generous 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the BMW delivers an $19,400 lower starting price. This contest pits Audi's luxury-focused AWD performance and practicality—indicated by its 195.6-inch length—against the BMW’s pure, compact, RWD driving focus, despite yielding 80 fewer horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A7
The Audi A7 offers better combined fuel economy at 25 MPG and superior cargo capacity for daily practicality.
2025 Audi A7
With nearly 10 cubic feet more cargo capacity (24.9 cu ft vs. 15.5 cu ft), the Audi better handles family needs.
2026 BMW 4 Series
The traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration of the BMW 4 Series provides a purer, more engaging driving experience for driving purists.
2026 BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series commands a significantly lower MSRP, saving $19,400 compared to the Audi A7.
Choose the Audi A7 if...
- You prioritize an elevated standard of luxury and require the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need the extra utility provided by the A7's 24.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- You desire the higher output of 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in a luxury sedan package.
Choose the BMW 4 Series if...
- You are seeking the maximum driving engagement from a traditional rear-wheel-drive coupe chassis.
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $55,000 is a primary concern, given the $19,400 savings.
- You prefer the agility and smaller footprint of the 187.9-inch long coupe body style.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A7 | BMW 4 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 187.9" |
| Width | 75.1" | 72.9" |
| Height | 56.0" | 54.6" |
| Wheelbase | 115.2" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 6100 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 424.6/579.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 15.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 205W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 14.9 in |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.2 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.1 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/40R20 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A7 and 2026 BMW 4 Series.
What is the primary dynamic difference in driving the Audi A7 versus the BMW 4 Series?
The 2025 Audi A7 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system paired with an automated manual transmission, focusing on secure grip and smooth power delivery. Conversely, the 2026 BMW 4 Series employs a classic Rear-Wheel Drive setup and a traditional automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often find offers sharper steering feel and better balance during spirited driving.
How significantly does the difference in horsepower affect daily driving?
The Audi A7 holds an 80 horsepower advantage, producing 335 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp, which translates to noticeably quicker acceleration and passing power, especially at highway speeds. However, the BMW's lighter weight may help mask some of this deficit in tighter, low-speed scenarios.
Is the Audi A7's extra cost justified by its fuel economy?
The Audi A7 offers a combined 25 MPG, while the BMW 4 Series has slightly lower efficiency figures. For a commuter driving long distances, this efficiency edge in the Audi, combined with the larger body style, might justify some of the $19,400 price premium over time.
Which car is more practical for loading luggage or equipment?
The Audi A7 is the clear winner for utility, offering 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space due to its convenient liftback design. The BMW 4 Series coupe is restricted to a standard trunk offering only 15.5 cubic feet, making it significantly less accommodating for bulky items.
Do both vehicles require the same grade of fuel?
No, the Audi A7 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 335 hp engine, which is the same requirement for the BMW 4 Series. Therefore, long-term operating costs related to fuel grade are equivalent, though the Audi's MPG difference will still impact overall fueling frequency.
How much smaller is the BMW 4 Series compared to the Audi A7?
The BMW 4 Series is substantially more compact; it is 7.7 inches shorter in length (187.9 in vs. 195.6 in) and slightly narrower and lower. This reduced size contributes to the 4 Series' sportier dynamics but sacrifices interior and cargo volume.
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