Audi A5 or BMW 420D

Cona

Audi A5 or BMW 420D. I haven't driven either of these cars and am judging them purely on their aesthetics which is v important to me. I prefer the look of the BMW but for some reason seem to think the Audi has a better reliability...Any truth in that?

What would be your pick and why?

JoeA3

I have a 420d since early this year.

Looks are subjective but exterior-wise, I would say the BMW the better looking car, certainly from the front / head-on. Interior wise, the Audi probably edges it a bit with some nicer materials and better tech (depending on spec of course). Spec on both cars is very important to how they look and feel, inside and out. i.e. I would say M-Sport (or even better, M Sport+) and S-Line in the Audi would be a must. Both cars can look quite drab in lesser "SE" trim.

If it bothers you, the BMW still uses a manual handbrake which does feel a bit cheap. But I rarely use it as it's mostly unnecessary with the auto box. With a light coloured leather interior the BMW cabin is a pretty nice place to be.

Driving, I think the BMW would definitely be the better option - i.e. Audi is quite heavy nosed and is FWD (unless you go Quattro), whereas the BMW is RWD.

Not sure about reliability. No issues for me so far anyway. I'd say it would be much of a muchness between them on that score.

moby2101

JoeA3 wrote: »

I have a 420d since early this year.

Looks are subjective but exterior-wise, I would say the BMW the better looking car, certainly from the front / head-on. Interior wise, the Audi probably edges it a bit with some nicer materials and better tech (depending on spec of course). Spec on both cars is very important to how they look and feel, inside and out. i.e. I would say M-Sport (or even better, M Sport+) and S-Line in the Audi would be a must. Both cars can look quite drab in lesser "SE" trim.

If it bothers you, the BMW still uses a manual handbrake which does feel a bit cheap. But I rarely use it as it's mostly unnecessary with the auto box. With a light coloured leather interior the BMW cabin is a pretty nice place to be.

Driving, I think the BMW would definitely be the better option - i.e. Audi is quite heavy nosed and is FWD (unless you go Quattro), whereas the BMW is RWD.

Not sure about reliability. No issues for me so far anyway. I'd say it would be much of a muchness between them on that score.

+ 1
My 2 cents!

I bought a 172 420d in from the Uk in January. I think it’s a far better looking and higher performance machine than the A5.
I researched the life out of both and drove variants of each over a period of 2-3 months.
M sport is a must, I got mine loaded with around 13K of extras so she is very highly specked.
Had Alfa’s Audi’s in the past, I think this is the best car I’ve driven and absolutely love the shape of it.
Drive both before you pull the trigger.
I’ve put 12K kilometres on the clock in the past 4 months and she’s a pleasure to drive

Nonoperational

Intended buying an A4/A5 myself. Went in to buy one based on the reviews, and to be honest didn't like it at all. Think the interior is poor and don't like the exterior. Ended up buying an A6. This is completely personal preference and I'm sure many many people will disagree with me but I wasn't a fan. I love the A6, but my second choice would have been a 4 series. For some reason the handbrake really turned me off!

peter barrins

This post has been deleted.

BnB

I'm in the exact same boat as you OP - Deciding between an A5 & a 4 Series as well (I'm looking at the 4 door Versions).

I have read a good bit about them online on line and a good few reviewers seem to come down on the side of the A5 in all areas except driving (Again - Just to stress - This was 4 door versions). I'm still strongly leaning towards a 420 though. I took one of a test drive and loved it, and I think they look so much better. Post 2017, the A5 did improve but IMO the 4 series still looks better.

As a slight aside,
I have been looking at 4 series for a few weeks online, and even though I swore blind I would never buy a white car.... I am starting to think it's their best color.

Is it just me, is this not just freggin beautiful...????



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804255896350?model=4%20SERIES%20GRAN%20COUPE&radius=1500&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&fuel-type=Diesel&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Manual&postcode=bt39jp&keywords=SUnroof&make=BMW&sort=price-asc&page=1

bazz26

The more popular auto is much nicer to drive mated to the diesel engine than the manual and more desirable too when you go to sell it on. I'd look for one too with the M Sport Plus pack which includes the Harman Kardon loudspeaker system, blue coloured brake calipers and 19" alloy wheels. Some came with electric memory seats too which is a godsend imo as I find it hard enough to find a comfortable seating position at times and BMW seats have very fiddly adjustments, also handy if there is more than one driver of the car. Looks like the previous owner of that white one opted for the larger alloy wheels and blue brake calipers along with the sunroof.

mickdw

For slightly alternative angle, I've had an A5 for 10 years now and am looking around for ages for something new.
I viewed a 430d and really struggled with the interior. It's very poor indeed in my opinion and I would put it well behind my audi which is years older.
Now it was all black and I don't like black seats full stop. The white leather does look better.

Cona

That 420d is lovely from the outside I must say. BUT it is just so bland on the inside compared to the Audi.

And seeing as you spend most time in the car it's an important piece

Cona

Buy the way, I'm now considering an Audi A7. I just find these absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. It's bigger than what I need but that's ok. Running costs I anticipate would be higher though. Any thoughts?

bazz26

An A7 really needs to be more powerful Quattro version, the front wheel drive ones are really not worth bothering with. A BMW 640d GC is worth looking at also but these cars will definitely have higher running costs than the A5 or 420D.

rajatparihar

Cona wrote: »

Buy the way, I'm now considering an Audi A7. I just find these absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. It's bigger than what I need but that's ok. Running costs I anticipate would be higher though. Any thoughts?

I upgraded my A5 2.7TDI (2008) to A7 3.0TDI Quattro with 300BHP (stage 1 revo) two years ago and this was probably my best move till now.

The A7 is truly a gem in design, masterpiece looks, drive and most importantly the smoothness of dual clutch S-Tronic Transmission. I have a Black Edition in Phantom Black with Beige Interior and truly admire it inside out. The mpg is not too bad either, getting around 6.5 L/100km on motorways and 10 L/100km in ridiculous peak hours Dublin city driving. It mostly finds its sweet spot between 8-9 L/100KM in day to day drive.