Audi a5 2017 vs BMW 4 series 2017

[David-p5d5m]

If you're worried about how dated the 4 series might be, I'd definitely go for the A5.

I've got a 2018 Audi A5 Quattro petrol, and I've mate with a 2016 435i.

The A5 definitely feels a generation ahead when it comes to the interior - coloured ambient lighting, Android Auto, digital dash, larger sunroof etc.

In spite of the 435i having a far better engine, he regrets his purchase because of how dated it feels, and he's already thinking of selling.

But I think you need Quattro and the S Line package (sportier styling, wheels, interior etc) to really lift the car.

[cerb4.5lee]

David-p5d5m said:

If you're worried about how dated the 4 series might be, I'd definitely go for the A5.

I've got a 2018 Audi A5 Quattro petrol, and I've mate with a 2016 435i.

The A5 definitely feels a generation ahead when it comes to the interior - coloured ambient lighting, Android Auto, digital dash, larger sunroof etc.

In spite of the 435i having a far better engine, he regrets his purchase because of how dated it feels, and he's already thinking of selling.

But I think you need Quattro and the S Line package (sportier styling, wheels, interior etc) to really lift the car.

I recently got a 2018 F82 M4 having been away from a BMW for nearly 4 years, and both me and my mrs laughed at how dated the interior is in it. It is almost like BMW are always a generation behind the competition when it comes to their interiors(appreciate that the M4 is a last generation car though).

I also had a E90 330d(2006 model) back in 2006 and the interior in that felt incredibly dated too(that was the current generation car at the time as well). I love the way that a BMW drives for sure, but their interiors always leave me cold though.

[waz10]

Interesting again hah, there is really is no answer is there! As someone said, it is just up to me - clearly both have pros and cons!

Yeah like said above, I do think the A5 is more modern inside, the 2017 4 series is slightly tweaked inside to the 2016 which may make it feel modern than your friends though. A Quattro A5 s line auto with virtual dash is probably a bit more than I want to spend, that’s a factor!

Thanks again everyone

[Wagonwheel555]

David-p5d5m said:

If you're worried about how dated the 4 series might be, I'd definitely go for the A5.

I've got a 2018 Audi A5 Quattro petrol, and I've mate with a 2016 435i.

The A5 definitely feels a generation ahead when it comes to the interior - coloured ambient lighting, Android Auto, digital dash, larger sunroof etc.

In spite of the 435i having a far better engine, he regrets his purchase because of how dated it feels, and he's already thinking of selling.

But I think you need Quattro and the S Line package (sportier styling, wheels, interior etc) to really lift the car.

Depends what your priorities are.

I have no issue with the BMW interiors from that era, they are functional and everything just works.

I would prefer the 435i engine over a fancy looking interior but each to their own.

[cerb4.5lee]

Wagonwheel555 said:

I have no issue with the BMW interiors from that era, they are functional and everything just works.

I like how well they are screwed together to be fair, and ergonomically they are sound as well. They also offer a nice and low driving position(apart from the E92 M3 I had because you were sat on rather than in-in that) which I've always appreciated.

[david-j8694]

OP, you haven't mentioned anything about your requirements or preferences with regards to the car's mechanicals - engine performance, drivetrain, noise, handling, etc. It seems all about image, interior spec and "newness". Not a criticism, just an observation.

I've previously owned a 420d, and I'd take it over an equivalent A5 without much hesitation. With the exception of some S/RS models. Audi cars are leaving me cold at the moment. As already mentioned, the only benefit is a slightly better interior. The 4 is nicer/better everywhere else.

[waz10]

Hey yeah it’s true what you said, this really will be used for commuting so I want it to be a nice place to be. Journey time is 40 mins each way - not massive be enough!

Noise doesn’t bother me, the way I see it is, in the grand scheme of things these are ‘normal’ cars - I’m not really looking at it from a performance perspective at the moment, whatever it has is a bonus! I love cars, I’ve been a Porsche freak since I was a kid, helped rebuild classics and write offs with my dad - but my goal for this car is to have something that looks nice, I like sitting in and driving to work in and is economical. I hope it fits that bill for 4-5 years and then I can hopefully get something more exciting (haha and hopefully have a shorter commute!)

I hope that shows where my head is it, this like a fancier Golf, where I’m happy to pay £5,000 more to have something I enjoy owning at bit!

Hopefully when I’m 40 I’m posting again something like 992 turbo vs turbo s (haha I can dream?)

Also - I just called up about 2 4 series and they both have deposits on them! Yikes. Gotta move quick it seems!

Thanks again guys!

[david-j8694]

waz10 said:

Hey yeah it’s true what you said, this really will be used for commuting so I want it to be a nice place to be. Journey time is 40 mins each way - not massive be enough!

Fair enough mate. I bought the 420d for similar reasons - I was going to be doing 500 miles per week and I wanted something I liked the look of that wouldn't cost the earth. It did 10,000 miles in 6 months, without any hiccups, and at well over 50mpg. It'll serve you well.

Good luck in the search!

Edit: Oh, the B47 engine in those things needs regular oil changes. Recommended is every year or maybe every 8000 miles, whichever comes sooner.

[keo]

waz10 said:

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

Personally I would go petrol.

[S93]

Pre-covid I used to do 500 odd miles a week on the motorway in my 420d coupe, worked brilliantly. The interior gets a lot of flack, but it works great, everything is laid out logically, and all the controls are physical buttons/knobs, which seems to be a rarity nowadays.

[cerb4.5lee]

david-j8694 said:

Good luck in the search!

Ditto. Hope you find one you really like.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say test drive a C Class it won't do any harm & you'll know for sure.

AMG Line Auto

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104302...

Leftfield:

E220 AMG Line Premium

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

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105222...

[waz10]

Hey guys, just thought I’d update the thread as I’ve put a deposit on a car

It’s a 2017 420d m sport plus … hopefully will be a nice car! Should pick it up next weekend, I’ll post some pics! It’s sapphire black, 19 inch wheels with the HK sound system and sun protection glass, it looks pretty cool to me! Thanks for the help everyone

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you found what you were looking for OP.

[Trailhead]

waz10 said:

Hey guys, just thought I’d update the thread as I’ve put a deposit on a car

It’s a 2017 420d m sport plus … hopefully will be a nice car! Should pick it up next weekend, I’ll post some pics! It’s sapphire black, 19 inch wheels with the HK sound system and sun protection glass, it looks pretty cool to me! Thanks for the help everyone

A nice car, enjoy!

[waz10]

Thanks guys much appreciated!

[aberdeeneuan]

You may find the brakes get squeaky on the M Sport plus - mine do - but can be sorted by a few heavy brakes. They need temperature through them.