BMW 4-SERIES GRAN COUPE

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AUDI A5 SEDAN

The interior and exterior design is led by the A5, which has been completely redesigned and integrated with the A4.

We’ll compare the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A5, both four-door coupes from major German brands. The changes to the 4 Series are minor, as they’re only a minor change. Notable changes include the exterior being replaced with newly designed LED headlights, the latest BMW design featuring a wide curved LCD display around the meter, and a newly designed D-shaped steering wheel. Meanwhile, the fully redesigned A5 has changed its sharply angled exterior to a design that makes extensive use of curved surfaces, and the interior also features a curved display to create a cockpit feel, as if to compete with the BMW. The even more advanced LED headlights are a major feature of the A5.

The body size of both cars is about the same, but the wheelbase of the A5 has been significantly extended, making it slightly longer than the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Due to the integration of the A5 and the A4, the roofline of the A5 has changed to be closer to that of a sedan, giving it an atmosphere somewhere between a sedan and a coupe.

The body size is similar, and both cars are hatchbacks, so the usability of the luggage compartment can be said to be the same. However, the A5 no longer has sashless doors, so it is about half a step behind the 4 Series Gran Coupe in terms of its appeal as a four-door coupe.

BMW 420i Gran Coupe M Sport

Body size = Length 4785mm x Width 1850mm x Height 1450mm

Wheelbase = 2855mm

Vehicle weight = 1670kg

Tire size = 245/45R18

Audi A5 Sedan TFSI quattro (150kW)

Body size = Length 4835mm x Width 1860mm x Height 1455mm

Wheelbase = 2895mm

Vehicle weight = 1800kg

Tire size = 225/55R17

Focus on the difference in drive system rather than engine specs

The A5 TFSI model is equipped with the same 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, but comes in two models with different specifications: 110kW and 150kW. Compared to the 4 Series Gran Coupe 420i, the 110kW model (maximum output 150PS / maximum torque 280Nm) is not as powerful, but the 150kW model has better maximum output and torque.

Also, it’s important to note that the 110kW model of the A5 is front-wheel drive. The 150kW model is a quattro AWD, but it actively uses the front wheels when all four wheels aren’t needed. The 4 Series Gran Coupe, on the other hand, is rear-wheel drive. Preferences will likely be divided between BMW, which offers the natural handling characteristic of rear-wheel drive, and Audi, which offers a high level of stability through front-wheel drive.

BMW 420i Gran Coupe M Sport

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 1998cc

Maximum output = 184PS/5000rpm

Maximum torque = 300Nm/1350-4000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = RWD

Audi A5 Sedan TFSI quattro (150kW)

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 1984cc

Maximum output = 204PS / 4300-6000rpm

Maximum torque = 340Nm / 2000-4000rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

The new A5 is 400,000 yen cheaper than the 4 Series Gran Coupe

The vehicle price for the 4 Series Gran Coupe “420i M Sport” is 7.4 million yen, and the A5 “TFSI Quattro (150kW)” is 6.81 million yen. Even though the 4 Series Gran Coupe has been significantly increased in price, it is surprising that the fully redesigned A5 is about 400,000 yen cheaper. Furthermore, the A5 “TFSI 110kW” is even cheaper, starting at 5.99 million yen.

If you’re drawn to the A5’s more attractive interior and exterior design, the A5 is the car to choose now. However, even though they’re both German four-door coupes with similar specs, there’s a big difference in the ride quality between the BMW and Audi. The BMW’s ride quality is sporty even in the lowest-priced model. In contrast, the Audi, like the previous A5, has a smooth ride quality throughout, even in coupe-design cars. A test drive is the best way to make your final purchase decision.