2025 Audi S4 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Audi S4 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe often comes down to prioritizing outright speed versus long-term running costs. The S4 offers significantly more muscle with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it the obvious choice for performance hounds, despite its higher $54,900 MSRP. Conversely, the BMW starts at a lower $50,600, which saves $4,300 upfront. The efficiency gap is substantial: the 4 Series Gran Coupe achieves a combined 30 MPG, whereas the Audi manages only 24 MPG. For daily drivers counting pennies at the pump, that 6 MPG difference is key. While both are compact luxury sedans, the Audi delivers near 100 more horsepower, but the BMW counters with 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S4's 12 cu ft, making the practical packing aspect an easy win for the BMW.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating versus the S4's 24 MPG.
2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Families will prefer the 4 Series Gran Coupe because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 16.6 cu ft compared to the S4's 12 cu ft.
2025 Audi S4
The 2025 Audi S4 is the enthusiast choice, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the BMW's power figures.
2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 4 Series offers better overall value starting at $50,600 while delivering better fuel economy and more space.
Choose the Audi S4 if...
- You demand superior straight-line performance, thanks to the S4's 349 hp output.
- You prefer the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive right out of the box.
- You want the higher torque figure of 369 lb-ft for quicker acceleration response.
Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...
- Saving money on fuel is critical, as the 4 Series achieves 35 MPG on the highway.
- You need the extra utility provided by the larger 16.6 cu ft cargo area.
- You prefer to spend $4,300 less on the initial purchase price, starting at $50,600.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S4 | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 188.5" |
| Width | 72.7" | 72.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 56.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 112.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 306.0/443.7 mi. | 421.2/546.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 15.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 205W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Massage Function | โ | โ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | โ | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 34.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | โ |
| Tire Type | Performance | โ |
| Tire Size | โ | 245/45R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | โ | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | โ | โ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | โ | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | โ | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | โ | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | โ | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S4 and 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
What is the real-world fuel economy difference between these two sedans?
The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 30 MPG. The 2025 Audi S4 lags behind considerably, netting only 24 combined MPG, resulting in an overall 6 MPG gap favoring the BMW.
Is the Audi S4 much faster than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?
Yes, the performance difference is substantial; the S4 produces 349 hp, which is 94 horsepower more than the 255 hp generated by the 4 Series Gran Coupe. This means the Audi should offer notably quicker acceleration.
Which vehicle offers more usable space for luggage?
The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe provides significantly more utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Audi S4 is constrained to just 12 cu ft, making road trips tougher with the Audi.
How much more expensive is the Audi S4 at the dealership?
The 2025 Audi S4 has a starting MSRP of $54,900, which is $4,300 higher than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's entry price of $50,600.
Do the drivetrains differ significantly between these two models?
They employ different core driving dynamics; the Audi S4 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the base 4 Series Gran Coupe utilizes Rear Wheel Drive.
Are both vehicles strict on fuel requirements?
Both recommend premium fuel, but the Audi S4 notes it is 'recommended,' whereas the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe lists premium unleaded as 'required' for its performance levels.
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