2025 Audi S4 vs 2025 BMW M4
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S4 delivers sophisticated, all-weather capability with its 349 hp and a respectable 24 MPG combined, making it a superb daily driver blending performance with practicality in its sleek sedan form. Conversely, the 2025 BMW M4 bursts onto the scene as a raw performance machine, offering a thrilling 473 hp directed through a coveted 6-speed manual transmission and pure Rear Wheel Drive aggression. The contrast is stark: the Audi demands a $54,900 entry for its Quattro competence, while the M4 demands $79,700 for its high-octane track readiness. This significant $24,800 gulf in MSRP immediately frames the choice, reflected in the M4’s lower 19 MPG combined rating against the S4’s efficiency. Both offer an identical 12 cu ft of cargo space, yet the M4 sacrifices efficiency and affordability for 124 extra horsepower and an unrivaled analog driving engagement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S4
The Audi S4 wins for commuters due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy and standard All-Wheel Drive security.
2025 Audi S4
Despite both offering 12 cu ft of cargo space, the four-door Audi S4 sedan format inherently suits family needs better than the two-door BMW M4 coupe.
2025 BMW M4
The BMW M4 is the enthusiast's choice, boasting 473 hp and the visceral thrill of a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Audi S4
The Audi S4 offers substantial performance at a much lower $54,900 MSRP, providing significantly more value relative to the $79,700 BMW M4.
Choose the Audi S4 if...
- You require better daily efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway versus the M4's 23 MPG.
- All-Wheel Drive is a necessity for your driving conditions or preference.
- You must keep the purchase price significantly lower, saving $24,800 upfront at the $54,900 MSRP.
Choose the BMW M4 if...
- Maximum straight-line power is paramount, leveraging the M4's 473 hp engine.
- You strongly prefer the pure, mechanical connection provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
- You desire the exclusive styling and dynamics of a dedicated, lower-slung coupe body style.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S4 | BMW M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 189.1" |
| Width | 72.7" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.2" | 54.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 112.5" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 349 hp @ 6300 rpm | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| 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 | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 16/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 306.0/443.7 mi. | 249.6/358.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 15.6 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 464W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 16 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-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: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 35.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 285/35R Z |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 10.5 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 M4.
What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 BMW M4 over the Audi S4?
The M4's major advantage lies in raw power, delivering 473 hp compared to the S4's 349 hp, giving it a 124 hp edge. This massive power increase, combined with its rear-wheel-drive setup, caters to high-performance driving demands.
How much more expensive is the 2025 BMW M4, and what efficiency trade-offs exist?
The M4 carries a substantial premium, costing $79,700 versus the S4's $54,900 MSRP, creating a $24,800 difference. This price gap corresponds to a fuel penalty, as the M4 manages only 19 MPG combined while the S4 achieves 24 MPG combined.
Does the transmission choice significantly impact the driving experience between these two vehicles?
Absolutely; the S4 uses a modern 8-speed shiftable automatic for smooth, rapid shifts, whereas the M4 offers a more engaging 6-speed manual transmission, which drivers often prefer for a deeper connection to the 473 hp powertrain.
Are the 2025 Audi S4 and BMW M4 practical for hauling cargo?
Both vehicles are surprisingly comparable in terms of pure cargo volume, offering an identical 12 cubic feet. However, the S4's four-door sedan design makes loading and accessing cargo easier than the M4's two-door coupe configuration.
Which car is better equipped for winter driving?
The Audi S4 is the clear winner for adverse conditions, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, providing superior traction compared to the M4's Rear Wheel Drive configuration.
What fuel requirements separate the S4 from the M4?
Both mandate premium fuel, but the S4 recommends it while the M4 explicitly requires it for its higher-output engine operation.
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