2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$54,200

MSRP

$39,900

Average price

$43,912

Average price

$36,792

Listings

16

Listings

14
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat

2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

2022 Audi A4 Reviews Summary

We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in the US equivalent of a 2022 Audi A4 Technik 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 201 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

201 hp @ 4200 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

34
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$54,200
$39,900
Average price
$43,912
$36,792
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.0
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in the US equivalent of a 2022 Audi A4 Technik 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 248 hp I4
2.0L 201 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
201 hp @ 4200 rpm
MPG City
25
26
MPG Highway
33
34
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