@ Audi AG
@ BMW Group Press
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Audi A5 Sportback vs BMW 5 Series Saloon – Which one offers the better deal?

Two cars, one duel: Audi A5 Sportback meets BMW 5 Series Saloon.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

A5 Sportback @ Audi AG

Sleek Designs Meet Sophisticated Engineering

For many automotive enthusiasts, the choice between the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 5er Limousine represents more than just a decision between two exceptional vehicles—it's a showdown between elegance and power. In this article, we'll delve into the nuances and distinctions of these models, providing a detailed comparison to help you decide which might be the right fit for your lifestyle.

5 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Powertrains and Performance

Under the hood, the Audi A5 Sportback offers a variety of engine options, including Diesel Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), Petrol, and Petrol MHEV engines. With power ranging from 150 kW to an exhilarating 346 kW, the A5 Sportback provides a robust driving experience. The model boasts acceleration from 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.7 seconds and reaches top speeds of up to 300 km/h. Its efficiency is further reflected in a fuel consumption range starting at just 4.7 L/100km.

Meanwhile, the BMW 5er Limousine presents its own impressive lineup of engine types: Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, and Plug-in Hybrid. Its powerhouse can generate up to 535 kW and speeds from 0-100 km/h in an astonishing 3.5 seconds. Notably, the plug-in hybrid models highlight sustainability with an electric range of up to 103 km, all while sipping fuel at just 0.6 L/100km in hybrid mode.

A5 Sportback @ Audi AG

Design Philosophy and Dimensions

The Audi A5 Sportback, with its sleek hatchback body type, maintains a modern design language marked by an aerodynamic silhouette. It's slightly more compact, with a length of up to 4835 mm, width of 1860 mm, and a height reaching 1429 mm. This design lends itself well to urban environments where agility is key.

Conversely, the BMW 5er Limousine, with its classic sedan form, commands road presence with dimensions maxing out at a length of 5096 mm, width of 1970 mm, and a height of 1515 mm. This larger footprint translates to a spacious interior, emphasizing luxury and comfort for all passengers.

5 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Interior Comfort and Trunk Capacity

Audi’s A5 Sportback offers a sophisticated interior that seats four passengers comfortably, making use of high-quality materials and advanced technology. Trunk capacity stands between 417 and 465 liters, providing sufficient room for everyday needs.

BMW stakes a claim on comfort with seating for five and merges premium materials with cutting-edge technology for an engaging driving experience. Additionally, with trunk capacities reaching 520 liters in some configurations, the 5er Limousine does not compromise on space.

A5 Sportback @ Audi AG

Innovations and Environmental Considerations

The Audi A5 Sportback benefits from innovations like advanced MHEV systems that enhance efficiency without sacrificing performance, aligning itself with an ecological mindset by achieving relatively low CO2 outputs depending on the engine choice.

BMW's commitment to innovation is no less enviable. The 5er Limousine’s Plug-in Hybrid variant showcases significant advancements in electric mobility while maintaining its prowess on the road. With CO2 emissions as low as 13 g/km, it carves a path for luxurious yet eco-friendly driving.

5 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Conclusion

Choosing between the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 5er Limousine is a question of personal preference and intended use. The A5 offers a dynamic driving experience wrapped in a sleek package, while the 5er Limousine balances performance with an elegant expression of luxury and environmental consideration. Both models exude automotive excellence, and whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a vehicle that matches sophistication with advanced engineering.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A5 Sportback @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Audi A5 Sportback has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 38700 £, while the BMW 5 Series Saloon costs 50800 £. That’s a price difference of around 12086 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A5 Sportback manages with 2 L and is therefore slight more efficient than the BMW 5 Series Saloon with 2.10 L. The difference is about 0.10 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Audi A5 Sportback performs slight better – achieving up to 110 km, about 5 km more than the BMW 5 Series Saloon.

5 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 5 Series Saloon has a clearly edge – offering 727 HP compared to 367 HP. That’s roughly 360 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 5 Series Saloon is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Audi A5 Sportback takes 4.50 s. That’s about 1 s faster.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 250 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 5 Series Saloon pulls clearly stronger with 1000 Nm compared to 550 Nm. That’s about 450 Nm difference.

A5 Sportback @ Audi AG

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: BMW 5 Series Saloon offers to a small extent more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Audi A5 Sportback is slight lighter – 1770 kg compared to 1800 kg. The difference is around 30 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 5 Series Saloon offers somewhat more room – 520 L compared to 445 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 5 Series Saloon a bit takes the win – 600 kg compared to 530 kg. That’s a difference of about 70 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BMW 5 Series Saloon proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BMW 5 Series Saloon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £50,800
5 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

BMW 5 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 727 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.1 - 5.8 L
  • Electric Range : 68 - 105 km

Audi A5 Sportback

The Audi A5 Sportback dresses up sleek coupe proportions with the everyday sense of a practical hatchback, so you get striking looks without the compromises. Behind the wheel it balances poise and comfort with premium trimmings that make daily driving feel a little bit special — ideal for buyers who want style and substance in equal measure.

details

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The BMW 5 Series Saloon stands as a hallmark of luxury and performance in the executive car sector. Its sleek design combines elegance with a sporty edge, offering a driving experience that is both dynamic and comfortable. Inside, the cabin is crafted with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, ensuring every journey is a refined affair.

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Audi A5 Sportback
BMW 5 Series Saloon
A5 Sportback @ Audi AG
5 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Consumption

Price
38700 - 68600 £
Price
50800 - 123800 £
Consumption L/100km
2 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
2.1 - 5.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
107 - 110 km
Electric Range
68 - 105 km
Battery Capacity
20.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
18.6 - 19.4 kWh
co2
45 - 172 g/km
co2
48 - 152 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
46 - 60 L
Fuel tank capacity
60 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1770 - 2170 kg
Curb weight
1800 - 2510 kg
Trunk capacity
331 - 445 L
Trunk capacity
466 - 520 L
Length
4829 - 4835 mm
Length
5060 - 5096 mm
Width
1860 mm
Width
1900 - 1970 mm
Height
1429 - 1444 mm
Height
1510 - 1515 mm
Max trunk capacity
1175 - 1299 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 530 kg
Payload
430 - 600 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 367 HP
Power HP
197 - 727 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 7.5 s
Max Speed
216 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
225 - 250 km/h
Torque
280 - 550 Nm
Torque
330 - 1000 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
110 - 270 kW
Power kW
145 - 535 kW
Engine capacity
1968 - 2995 cm3
Engine capacity
1995 - 4395 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, C
Brand
Audi
Brand
BMW
Is the Audi A5 Sportback offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.