2025 Audi S4 vs 2025 BMW 5 Series

$54,900 · Sedan

$58,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between potent German sport sedans often comes down to prioritizing raw speed versus long-term efficiency and space. The 2025 Audi S4, priced sharply at $54,900, offers a compelling performance bargain, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque straight away. Conversely, the larger 2025 BMW 5 Series starts at $58,700, trading immediate punch for superior practicality. While the Audi returns a combined 24 MPG, the BMW significantly stretches fuel with 31 MPG combined, a difference of 7 MPG that matters over a year of driving. Furthermore, the BMW provides substantially more usable space, with 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S4's 12 cu ft. The core dilemma centers on whether the S4's higher output (a 94 hp advantage) outweighs the 5 Series' increased size and superior running costs, especially considering the $3,800 entry price gap.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series wins for commuters due to its exceptional 31 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Audi S4's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

Families will appreciate the larger footprint of the BMW 5 Series, which offers 18.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S4's 12 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S4

The 2025 Audi S4 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its superior 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 offers significantly more horsepower for a $3,800 lower starting price, providing better performance value.

Choose the Audi S4 if...

You want the maximum performance for the lowest cost, as the S4 is $3,800 cheaper.
You prioritize spirited driving, benefiting from the S4's 349 hp engine.
You prefer the stability of an all-wheel-drive system over the BMW's standard RWD setup.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Fuel efficiency is crucial, as the 5 Series achieves 31 MPG combined versus the S4's 24 MPG.
You need significantly more luggage space, as the 5 Series offers 18.4 cu ft versus 12 cu ft.
You require a physically larger vehicle, as the 5 Series is about 11.7 inches longer.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S4	BMW 5 Series
Length	187.5"	199.2"
Width	72.7"	74.8"
Height	56.2"	59.6"
Wheelbase	111.0"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	349 hp @ 6300 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 3200 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	8-speed shiftable automatic	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)	20/29 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	306.0/443.7 mi.	445.2/556.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	205W
Speaker System	10	12
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	✓	245/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Audi	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	BMW
Basic Warranty	—	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	—	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	—	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	—	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S4 and 2025 BMW 5 Series.

Is the BMW 5 Series actually more efficient than the Audi S4?

Yes, the BMW 5 Series holds a significant advantage in fuel economy, delivering 31 MPG combined compared to the Audi S4's 24 MPG combined rating. This 7 MPG difference means substantially lower fuel bills over the long term.

How much more powerful is the Audi S4 compared to the BMW 5 Series?

The 2025 Audi S4 is considerably more potent, generating 349 hp, which is 94 more horsepower than the 255 hp found in the standard 2025 BMW 5 Series model we compared.

Which car offers better practicality for family hauling?

The BMW 5 Series is the more practical choice, offering 18.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi S4's limited 12 cu ft trunk. The BMW is also physically larger in width and height.

Is the $3,800 price difference between the two models justifiable?

It depends on your priorities; the Audi S4 is cheaper and faster, but the BMW 5 Series offers better mileage and significantly more space for that extra $3,800 investment.

Which car uses premium fuel and how does that affect running costs?

Both cars recommend or require premium unleaded fuel. However, since the Audi S4 has lower MPG (24 combined), its operational fuel cost will likely be higher than the 5 Series' (31 combined).

What is the main drivetrain difference between these two sedans?

The Audi S4 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), providing superior traction in poor weather conditions. In contrast, the compared BMW 5 Series utilizes a traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration.