BMW 4 Series 420i vs Audi A5 40 TFSI drag race

It’s a battle of mid-range German coupes as the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 square off in our latest drag race. These two go toe-to-toe on practicality, value and desirability – but how do they fare for sheer performance?

Watch the video to find out…

We’re big fans of the BMW 4 Series here. So much so that we named it as our Best Coupe Car in the carwow 2021 Car of The Year Awards.

It’s a seriously fun car to drive in any guise, and it’s better-built than any alternatives, too. Coming in at just shy of £40,000, it’s decent value for money too, but it’s a shame those sleek looks are slightly spoiled by that controversial grille…

Perhaps the Audi A5 we have here would be on the back foot already were this an ordinary head-to-head review. This is a sheer test of performance, though, so things aren’t quite so clear cut.

In 40 TFSI guise, this particular A5 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 190hp and 320Nm – just a bit more than the 420i, which brings 184hp and 300Nm to the party.

Better still, the Audi is lighter too, weighing in at 1,530kg. By comparison, the BMW tips the scales at 1,600kg. Advantage Audi then, right?

Not necessarily. There are a few more factors at play here than just sheer numbers, and it could be closer than you might think. The A5 delivers its power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the 4 Series is rear-wheel drive and equipped with an eight-speed automatic.

Crucially for the BMW, it also has a launch control system – something the Audi lacks. That may be a pointless feature for commuting in Oxfordshire, but it could be the killer difference in today’s drag race.

Which takes the chequered flag first, then? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out…

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