2025 Audi S4 vs 2026 BMW 5 Series

$54,900 · Sedan

$59,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi S4 bursts onto the scene as the undisputed performance puncher, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it an agility master compared to the larger 2026 BMW 5 Series which offers a more serene 255 hp. While the S4 commands an accessible $54,900 starting MSRP, the BMW requires $5,000 more, landing at $59,900. Performance differences are clear: the S4’s turbocharged vigor promises quicker acceleration. However, the BMW compensates with sheer size, offering a cavernous 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi's 12 cu ft. Fuel economy presents another significant gap; the S4 achieves a combined 24 MPG, while the 5 Series, lacking specific MPG data but having 94 fewer horsepower, implies a different cruising philosophy. The choice boils down to compact, thrilling performance from the S4 or luxurious, spacious transport from the larger Bimmer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, minimizing daily fuel costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 5 Series

The 2026 BMW 5 Series is the superior family choice, providing significantly more room with 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S4's 12 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S4

The 2025 Audi S4 delivers an engaging drive, leveraging 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque against the BMW's lower output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S4

The Audi S4 offers better value, starting $5,000 less expensive while delivering substantially higher horsepower figures.

Choose the Audi S4 if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics, benefiting from the S4's 349 hp engine.
Keeping running costs down is essential, as the S4 achieves a 24 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a more compact footprint, with the S4 measuring 187.5 inches in length.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Maximum passenger and gear hauling is critical, given the 18.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
A larger, more commanding presence on the road is desired, reflected in the 5 Series' longer 199.2-inch body.
You are willing to pay the extra $5,000 for the prestige and inherent spaciousness of the 5 Series platform.

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	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
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	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	306.0/443.7 mi.	0/0 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	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

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	—	✓

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	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	✓	245/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 2026 BMW 5 Series.

How significant is the horsepower difference between these two sedans?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Audi S4 boasts 349 hp, which is exactly 94 more horsepower than the 2026 BMW 5 Series provides at 255 hp. This suggests the S4 will offer notably faster acceleration profiles.

Which vehicle is more practical for road trips based on cargo space?

The 2026 BMW 5 Series is vastly more practical for hauling luggage, offering 18.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Audi S4 is considerably tighter with only 12 cu ft available.

Does the Audi S4 require expensive fuel?

Yes, both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel, aligning them in their fuel requirements. However, the S4's stated 24 MPG combined efficiency may offset the cost difference when considering mileage.

Why does the Audi S4 cost $5,000 less than the BMW 5 Series?

The $5,000 MSRP difference ($54,900 vs $59,900) reflects the BMW's larger overall size (199.2 inches long) and greater cargo volume. The Audi prioritizes a powerful, compact, performance-focused package.

What is the core difference in drivetrain layout affecting handling?

The Audi S4 utilizes an all-wheel drive system, which enhances grip in varied conditions, while the BMW 5 Series features a traditional rear-wheel drive setup, typically favored by enthusiasts for balanced, sporty handling dynamics.

How does the Audi S4's fuel economy compare to the larger 5 Series?

The S4 offers a respectable 24 combined MPG, paired with 20 city/29 highway figures. While the 5 Series does not list its MPG, the S4's efficiency is superior given its performance level.