VS
At a Glance
Power
146 kW
135 kW
Torque
340 Nm
300 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
8.2 s
Engine
1984 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the BMW 4 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A5 delivers 146 kW while the BMW 4 Series produces 135 kW. On fuel, the A5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the 4 Series uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 166 800 for the A5 and R1 156 070 for the 4 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A5TFSI Black Edition (146kw) 2025 - From R1 166 800
BMW 4 Series420i Convertible M Sport A/T (g23) 2024 - From R1 156 070
Performance
Power Output
146 kW
135 kW
Torque
340 Nm
300 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
8.2 s
Top Speed
248 Km/h
236 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
152 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4829 mm
4768 mm
Width
1860-2099 mm
1852-2081 mm
Height
1444 mm
1384 mm
Wheelbase
2892 mm
2851 mm
Kerb Weight
1653 Kg
1690 DIN / 1765 EU Kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
445-1299 l
300-385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
642 lkg
495 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A5
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
More powerful engine (146 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (6.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 156 070)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 146 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or 4 Series?
The A5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the 4 Series uses 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or 4 Series?
The A5 produces 146 kW and 340 Nm of torque while the 4 Series delivers 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The A5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and 4 Series?
The A5 starts from R1 166 800 and the 4 Series from R1 156 070, a difference of just R10 730, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A5 or 4 Series?
The A5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the 4 Series can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A5 or the 4 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider