Audi a5 2017 vs BMW 4 series 2017

[waz10]

Hello! I'm looking for a little help here

I'm wanting a new car and considering these two cars, this is the dilemma I'm having.

My budget is 17kish which gets me into the following

Audi A5 2017 2.0 tdi S line automatic with around 30-40,000 miles.

BMW 420d LCI M Sport plus automatic with around 30-40,000 miles.

The plus for Audi is, it's a 'newer' car in terms of it when it came out where as the BMW is a facelift car - I'm thinking the Audi might feel more modern for longer?

I'd get a better spec in the BMW, Harmon Kardon sound system, 19 inch wheels, sun protection glass etc ... having decent speakers is quite important to me.

I like both cars to drive and have driven both. I'm 33 and the Audi maybe feels a little bit, younger (although I appreciate I' no longer young haha) where as the BMW somehow more grown-up (which I suppose I am!).

Somehow, my heart is saying BMW as I think the m sport plus spec is great! My head is saying Audi, thinking it might feel more modern for longer.

I'm guessing I'll probably keep the car for 5 years.

Does anyone have any opinion on which car they'd go for? I've posted two links to cars below that kind of show the type of car I'd be looking at!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103280...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103110...

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[HustleRussell]

If you care about the way it drives then BMW all the way.

[Summit_Detailing]

Just purely based on aesthetics, my first thought when opening up the A5 link was - good lord that looks like an old car now!

BMW less so...considered a 4-series GC? looks better proportioned to my eyes at least.

As per the above poster, if you have any interest in driving dynamics then that discounts the Audi.

Happy shopping!

Cheers,

Chris

[Pistonheader101]

Audi for sure. BMW is somewhat dated now

[cerb4.5lee]

I like both of them to be fair, but I'd go in the direction of the 4 series.

[Trailhead]

Tough one.

The Audi is likely to be far more reliable over your 5 years of ownership.

BMW will be nicer to drive, but I don’t know a single Bmw driver who hasn’t had a major issue.

I’d pick the BMW if you can get an AUC warranty and extend each year.... if not, I’d buy the Audi.

[waz10]

Interesting opinions! Seems mixed on which car is more dated haha. That’s a good point about the reliability, I also get the impression the Audi will be more reliable!

The different view points are really interesting, please keep them coming!

[Wagonwheel555]

Trailhead said:

Tough one.

The Audi is likely to be far more reliable over your 5 years of ownership.

BMW will be nicer to drive, but I don’t know a single Bmw driver who hasn’t had a major issue.

I’d pick the BMW if you can get an AUC warranty and extend each year.... if not, I’d buy the Audi.

Owned 5 BMWs over the years.

Only issue which cost ‘money’ was a DMF and Clutch but on a 100k diesel it’s par for the course sometimes, they are wear and tear items on a manual diesel

I’ve not had a single major issue

[cerb4.5lee]

Wagonwheel555 said:

Owned 5 BMWs over the years.

Only issue which cost ‘money’ was a DMF and Clutch but on a 100k diesel it’s par for the course sometimes, they are wear and tear items on a manual diesel

I’ve not had a single major issue

I've had 8 BMWs now since 2006 and the only issue I've had was a broken rear spring on my E90 330i. I'm not sure where the poor reliability comes from, I just stick to the main dealer service schedule and all has been well for me.

[aberdeeneuan]

Had my 4 for 3 years now, nothing major on it in that time other than tyres as I’ve been incredibly unlucky with punctures.

Had an a6 before, same generation infotainment as the a5 and I much prefer the BMW system, especially in pro nav spec. BMW is also significantly a better drive than either Audi I’ve had.

[Mo28]

Do you do more than 10k miles a year?

[waz10]

Thanks guys, ok so seems the bmw is just as reliable if serviced properly - thanks for sharing!

Good question, I’m probably doing around 12,000 miles a year

[RonnieHotdogs]

Wow that Audi's dull ... And FWD.

BMW every day of the week.

[ZX10R NIN]

C220 AMG Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006240...

In truth I'd rather go for an older (2015) well spec'd 430d M Sport it's a better overall package:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103140...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...

[Mo28]

ZX10R NIN said:

C220 AMG Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006240...

In truth I'd rather go for an older (2015) well spec'd 430d M Sport it's a better overall package:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103140...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...

I was going to suggest the C class coupe as well, sits between the 4 series and A5. I wouldn't go for the manual as they're crap and centre console looks weird. I've had two of them over the last four years and the pick of the range is the 220d with premium pack.

[cerb4.5lee]

ZX10R NIN said:

In truth I'd rather go for an older (2015) well spec'd 430d M Sport it's a better overall package:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103140...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...

I'm another one that would rather go for the 430d instead of the 420d as well.

[cerb4.5lee]

Mo28 said:

I was going to suggest the C class coupe as well, sits between the 4 series and A5. I wouldn't go for the manual as they're crap and centre console looks weird. I've had two of them over the last four years and the pick of the range is the 220d with premium pack.

I personally prefer the interior in the the C-Class in comparison to the 4 series to be fair. However most people seem to hate Mercedes interiors though from what I read.

[Trailhead]

ZX10R NIN said:

C220 AMG Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006240...

In truth I'd rather go for an older (2015) well spec'd 430d M Sport it's a better overall package:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103140...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104201...

If OP can get a C Class couple AMG Line with auto box then for me this would be the clear winner. Without a doubt.

[waz10]

Thanks again for all the replies ...

It's great to have your perspectives, it's interesting to see the A5 isn't very popular! The 430d is probably out of the equation just because this car is meant to be a more stylish VW Golf to me haha. I love cars, I've been Porsche crazy since I was a little kid, but me going for something like a 4 series has come about from a bit of budget creep from something like a mk7.5 Golf SE Nav!

The C Class coupe is a great idea, they're a little bit more expensive, for some reason I just don't see myself with the C Class.

I think an LCI 4 420d m sport plus is leading the pack at the minute - thanks for all the replies and helpful links to adverts they genuinely have helped make up my mind.

[HustleRussell]

It’s your choice at the end of the day but for me a front wheel drive Audi coupe is an example of style over substance. I have driven one with the petrol engine.

There is a ‘rightness’ about how BMWs drive. It’s not all because of rear wheel drive either.