Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S-tronic vs BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i
17 Nov 2017|19,155 views
Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic Sport
Sharper looks
More capable powertrain
More modern and plush interior
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport
Is more of a driver's car
Linear powertrain but lacks punch
Slightly aged compared to the Audi
When Audi first crossbred a coupe with a large hatchback, premium car buyers looking for something different flocked to the A5 Sportback in droves. The car was so well received that BMW followed suit, creating a rival badged the 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC) which itself has garnered quite a following.
For many, these cars presented an impeccable compromise. They are sleek, practical and sporty-looking, making them great alternatives to sedans and estates. Now, Audi's back with an all new second generation A5 Sportback that's gunning for class honours once more, but its updated BMW rival isn't going to give in easily.
The Audi A5 Sportback is aiming for class honours again, despite competition from the BMW 4GC
Pace
The cars you see here are the Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S-tronic Sport and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport, both of which employ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The A5 Sportback's lump, however, does have a much higher output, putting 252bhp and 370Nm of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From the lights, it'll lead the 4GC by at least a car's length, given the BMW's lesser 181bhp and 270Nm of torque.
The 4GC's engine is down on power, pushing just 181bhp and 270Nm of torque to the rear wheels
Credit for the A5 Sportback being the faster car of the two also goes to its slick-shifting dual-clutch, which isn't just quicker but smoother than the 4GC's eight-speed automatic and, of course, the former's all-wheel drive quattro system.
Luckily for the Bimmer, it compensates for its lack of power with a more meaty, naturally weighted steering and a more linear power delivery, highlighting its reputation as a driver's car. However, despite its slight disconnection, the A5 Sportback's steering is quicker, which helps to make it feel keener when turning into corners. It's also the grippier one, thanks to its aforementioned all-wheel drivetrain.
Where it lacks in outright power, the 4GC makes up for with a meaty and communicative steering
On top of that, the A5 Sportback cruises more serenely, with a smoother ride than the more communicative setup in the 4GC. The A5 Sportback is also more refined on the go, thanks to a quieter engine when worked hard.
Space
Inside, the Audi continues its lead over the Bimmer in terms of cabin design. As the 4GC is the older model here, having gone through a minor update instead of the A5 Sportback's ground-up remodelling, the latter's cabin has a more expensive-feeling quality and a minimalist look that is modern and tactile.
For many, these cars presented an impeccable compromise. They are sleek, practical and sporty-looking, making them great alternatives to sedans and estates. Now, Audi's back with an all new second generation A5 Sportback that's gunning for class honours once more, but its updated BMW rival isn't going to give in easily.
Pace
The cars you see here are the Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S-tronic Sport and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport, both of which employ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The A5 Sportback's lump, however, does have a much higher output, putting 252bhp and 370Nm of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From the lights, it'll lead the 4GC by at least a car's length, given the BMW's lesser 181bhp and 270Nm of torque.
Credit for the A5 Sportback being the faster car of the two also goes to its slick-shifting dual-clutch, which isn't just quicker but smoother than the 4GC's eight-speed automatic and, of course, the former's all-wheel drive quattro system.
Luckily for the Bimmer, it compensates for its lack of power with a more meaty, naturally weighted steering and a more linear power delivery, highlighting its reputation as a driver's car. However, despite its slight disconnection, the A5 Sportback's steering is quicker, which helps to make it feel keener when turning into corners. It's also the grippier one, thanks to its aforementioned all-wheel drivetrain.
On top of that, the A5 Sportback cruises more serenely, with a smoother ride than the more communicative setup in the 4GC. The A5 Sportback is also more refined on the go, thanks to a quieter engine when worked hard.
Space
Inside, the Audi continues its lead over the Bimmer in terms of cabin design. As the 4GC is the older model here, having gone through a minor update instead of the A5 Sportback's ground-up remodelling, the latter's cabin has a more expensive-feeling quality and a minimalist look that is modern and tactile.
The 4GC's cabin, is like any other BMW model, of quality and as premium as you'd expect of the brand, but considerably ageing when compared to the A5 Sportback's.
The A5 Sportback's cabin is easily the nicest and most modern one in its class
The Audi MMI setup, too, boasts more functionality with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, on top of a bigger and better-looking display screen.
In terms of occupant housing, both cars are equally practical, boasting large, similarly-sized 480-litre boots and rear cabins that are accommodating enough for adults. However, the A5 Sportback does have more overall headroom, while the 4GC has more legroom.
While the A5 Sportback offers slightly more headroom, the 4GC has more legroom
Grace
One giveaway of the A5 Sportback being the more expensive car here is also the way it presents itself at face value, with a sheet metal design comprising of sharper, more angular surfaces and a wide, flat Singleframe grille, which oozes more presence. The use of chrome window trims and its sleeker, sloping roofline further enhance its edge as an executive car.
Although the 4GC is anything but undesirable to the eye, next to the A5 Sportback, it just comes across as a tad fuddy. To be fair, though, the A5 Sportback is newer and more expensive at $271,850 compared to the $221,800 4GC (as of 13th November 2017). The 430i M-sport variant of the 4GC would've been the more appropriate rival.
It's tough to deny the obvious ageing of the 4GC when tested against the new A5 Sportback
That said, power and price aside, the point we've taken home from these cars is that the Audi has this properly thought-out. In almost every area, it has one-upped the BMW, even if the latter is more dynamically accomplished.
After endless driving and arguing, it's clear the Audi A5 Sportback has a more appealing proposition.
The Audi MMI setup, too, boasts more functionality with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, on top of a bigger and better-looking display screen.
In terms of occupant housing, both cars are equally practical, boasting large, similarly-sized 480-litre boots and rear cabins that are accommodating enough for adults. However, the A5 Sportback does have more overall headroom, while the 4GC has more legroom.
Grace
One giveaway of the A5 Sportback being the more expensive car here is also the way it presents itself at face value, with a sheet metal design comprising of sharper, more angular surfaces and a wide, flat Singleframe grille, which oozes more presence. The use of chrome window trims and its sleeker, sloping roofline further enhance its edge as an executive car.
Although the 4GC is anything but undesirable to the eye, next to the A5 Sportback, it just comes across as a tad fuddy. To be fair, though, the A5 Sportback is newer and more expensive at $271,850 compared to the $221,800 4GC (as of 13th November 2017). The 430i M-sport variant of the 4GC would've been the more appropriate rival.
That said, power and price aside, the point we've taken home from these cars is that the Audi has this properly thought-out. In almost every area, it has one-upped the BMW, even if the latter is more dynamically accomplished.
After endless driving and arguing, it's clear the Audi A5 Sportback has a more appealing proposition.
Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic Sport
Sharper looks
More capable powertrain
More modern and plush interior
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport
Is more of a driver's car
Linear powertrain but lacks punch
Slightly aged compared to the Audi
When Audi first crossbred a coupe with a large hatchback, premium car buyers looking for something different flocked to the A5 Sportback in droves. The car was so well received that BMW followed suit, creating a rival badged the 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC) which itself has garnered quite a following.
For many, these cars presented an impeccable compromise. They are sleek, practical and sporty-looking, making them great alternatives to sedans and estates. Now, Audi's back with an all new second generation A5 Sportback that's gunning for class honours once more, but its updated BMW rival isn't going to give in easily.
The Audi A5 Sportback is aiming for class honours again, despite competition from the BMW 4GC
Pace
The cars you see here are the Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S-tronic Sport and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport, both of which employ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The A5 Sportback's lump, however, does have a much higher output, putting 252bhp and 370Nm of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From the lights, it'll lead the 4GC by at least a car's length, given the BMW's lesser 181bhp and 270Nm of torque.
The 4GC's engine is down on power, pushing just 181bhp and 270Nm of torque to the rear wheelsCredit for the A5 Sportback being the faster car of the two also goes to its slick-shifting dual-clutch, which isn't just quicker but smoother than the 4GC's eight-speed automatic and, of course, the former's all-wheel drive quattro system.
Luckily for the Bimmer, it compensates for its lack of power with a more meaty, naturally weighted steering and a more linear power delivery, highlighting its reputation as a driver's car. However, despite its slight disconnection, the A5 Sportback's steering is quicker, which helps to make it feel keener when turning into corners. It's also the grippier one, thanks to its aforementioned all-wheel drivetrain.
Where it lacks in outright power, the 4GC makes up for with a meaty and communicative steeringOn top of that, the A5 Sportback cruises more serenely, with a smoother ride than the more communicative setup in the 4GC. The A5 Sportback is also more refined on the go, thanks to a quieter engine when worked hard.
Space
Inside, the Audi continues its lead over the Bimmer in terms of cabin design. As the 4GC is the older model here, having gone through a minor update instead of the A5 Sportback's ground-up remodelling, the latter's cabin has a more expensive-feeling quality and a minimalist look that is modern and tactile.
For many, these cars presented an impeccable compromise. They are sleek, practical and sporty-looking, making them great alternatives to sedans and estates. Now, Audi's back with an all new second generation A5 Sportback that's gunning for class honours once more, but its updated BMW rival isn't going to give in easily.
Pace
The cars you see here are the Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S-tronic Sport and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport, both of which employ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The A5 Sportback's lump, however, does have a much higher output, putting 252bhp and 370Nm of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From the lights, it'll lead the 4GC by at least a car's length, given the BMW's lesser 181bhp and 270Nm of torque.
Luckily for the Bimmer, it compensates for its lack of power with a more meaty, naturally weighted steering and a more linear power delivery, highlighting its reputation as a driver's car. However, despite its slight disconnection, the A5 Sportback's steering is quicker, which helps to make it feel keener when turning into corners. It's also the grippier one, thanks to its aforementioned all-wheel drivetrain.
Space
Inside, the Audi continues its lead over the Bimmer in terms of cabin design. As the 4GC is the older model here, having gone through a minor update instead of the A5 Sportback's ground-up remodelling, the latter's cabin has a more expensive-feeling quality and a minimalist look that is modern and tactile.
The 4GC's cabin, is like any other BMW model, of quality and as premium as you'd expect of the brand, but considerably ageing when compared to the A5 Sportback's.
The A5 Sportback's cabin is easily the nicest and most modern one in its classThe Audi MMI setup, too, boasts more functionality with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, on top of a bigger and better-looking display screen.
In terms of occupant housing, both cars are equally practical, boasting large, similarly-sized 480-litre boots and rear cabins that are accommodating enough for adults. However, the A5 Sportback does have more overall headroom, while the 4GC has more legroom.
While the A5 Sportback offers slightly more headroom, the 4GC has more legroom
Grace
One giveaway of the A5 Sportback being the more expensive car here is also the way it presents itself at face value, with a sheet metal design comprising of sharper, more angular surfaces and a wide, flat Singleframe grille, which oozes more presence. The use of chrome window trims and its sleeker, sloping roofline further enhance its edge as an executive car.
Although the 4GC is anything but undesirable to the eye, next to the A5 Sportback, it just comes across as a tad fuddy. To be fair, though, the A5 Sportback is newer and more expensive at $271,850 compared to the $221,800 4GC (as of 13th November 2017). The 430i M-sport variant of the 4GC would've been the more appropriate rival.
It's tough to deny the obvious ageing of the 4GC when tested against the new A5 SportbackThat said, power and price aside, the point we've taken home from these cars is that the Audi has this properly thought-out. In almost every area, it has one-upped the BMW, even if the latter is more dynamically accomplished.
After endless driving and arguing, it's clear the Audi A5 Sportback has a more appealing proposition.
In terms of occupant housing, both cars are equally practical, boasting large, similarly-sized 480-litre boots and rear cabins that are accommodating enough for adults. However, the A5 Sportback does have more overall headroom, while the 4GC has more legroom.
Grace
One giveaway of the A5 Sportback being the more expensive car here is also the way it presents itself at face value, with a sheet metal design comprising of sharper, more angular surfaces and a wide, flat Singleframe grille, which oozes more presence. The use of chrome window trims and its sleeker, sloping roofline further enhance its edge as an executive car.
Although the 4GC is anything but undesirable to the eye, next to the A5 Sportback, it just comes across as a tad fuddy. To be fair, though, the A5 Sportback is newer and more expensive at $271,850 compared to the $221,800 4GC (as of 13th November 2017). The 430i M-sport variant of the 4GC would've been the more appropriate rival.
After endless driving and arguing, it's clear the Audi A5 Sportback has a more appealing proposition.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S tronic Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.6km/L
Horsepower
185kW (248 bhp)
Torque
370 Nm
Acceleration
6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A5 SportbackBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|17.2km/L
Horsepower
135kW (181 bhp)
Torque
270 Nm
Acceleration
7.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
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