Audi A4 vs. BMW 4 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A4 and BMW 4 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A4 and the BMW 4 Series.
When comparing the Audi A4's and the BMW 4 Series's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The BMW 4 Series has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A4's and the BMW 4 Series's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 is a better car than the BMW 4 Series.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A4 ranges from $39,992 to $51,860 while a used 2024 BMW 4 Series is priced between $38,997 to $63,985. For a new model, the Audi A4's price is between $45,370 and $54,500, with the BMW 4 Series priced between $51,566 and $72,252.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A4 loses 50.2 percent of its value and the BMW 4 Series loses 52.4 percent of its value. This means the Audi A4 retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 4 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A4 is 8.5 out of 10 while the BMW 4 Series' quality rating is 6.5 out of 10. This results in the Audi A4 being ranked 6 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the BMW 4 Series being ranked 24 out of 36.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A4 is 8.1 out of 10. For the BMW 4 Series the reliability rating is 5.8 out of 10. This gives the Audi A4 an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 4 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A4’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the BMW 4 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 536 miles. The 4 Series is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. This gives the Audi A4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 4 Series. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Audi A4 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The BMW 4 Series has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Audi A4 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$45,370 - $54,500
Starting MSRP:
$41,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$51,566 - $72,252
Starting MSRP:
$48,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$45,394
Price Range:
$39,992 - $51,860
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
218
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,675
# Good or Great Deals:
46
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$49,839
Price Range:
$38,997 - $63,985
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
379
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11,808
# Good or Great Deals:
107
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$21,732
Depreciation %:
51.9%
Resale Value $:
$20,168
Residual Value %:
48.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$25,828
Depreciation %:
53.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,472
Residual Value %:
46.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
Audi A4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW 4 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
5.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 4 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Audi A4 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Ranking
31 out of / 36BMW 4 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
35 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A4 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro Prestige 40 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI, quattro S line Prestige 45 TFSI
BMW 4 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque:
236 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 536 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 530 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
92.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3638 lbs
Width:
79.6 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Length:
187.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3792 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
188.5 inches
Wheelbase:
112.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic
Green
District Green Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
San Remo Green Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Rock Gray
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red