2021 BMW 430i vs. 2021 Audi A5 Quattro

2021 BMW 430i Coupe ・ Photo by BMW

Like most automakers these days, BMW and Audi pay their bills selling SUVs and crossovers. That’s where the volume is. That’s where profits are made. However, the two global giants made their reputations on fun-to-drive, sexy coupes — vehicles like the BMW 2002 of the early 1970s and the Audi Quattro, which dominated world rally racing a decade later. At the moment such machines aren’t as important to the bottom line, but they’re still important to the image of these brands. And for the 2021 model year, with the introduction of the all-new BMW 430i, the rivalry with the Audi A5 Quattro has gotten even hotter.

Make no mistake: These are two of the best turbocharged all-wheel drive coupes in the world. Both bring the performance, style, features, and luxuries you expect at their lofty price points. But which is best? Let’s examine the 2021 BMW 430i and the 2021 Audi A5 Quattro in key areas and decide.

Styling and Design

Audi redesigned the A5 in 2018 and it has been one of the sexiest coupes on the road ever since. Wonderfully modern, its big curves, hard lines, and broad stance make it striking from any angle, and few cars look better going down the road. Last year, Audi updated things a bit. The A5’s large honeycomb grille grew flatter and wider, and Audi added ventilation slits above the grille reminiscent of the classic 1984 Audi Sport Quattro. Its front bumper was also tastefully reshaped with larger air inlets, while a new diffuser and trapezoidal tailpipes dress the rear. LED headlights and taillights also became standard.

Have you seen the BMW’s funky new grille yet? It’s a fresh take on the brand’s famed twin-kidney design, and it’s not exactly conventional. We appreciate BMW’s willingness to take chances, but others have said the sleek new 2021 4 Series has a bad case of Bugs Bunny teeth. Otherwise, this is an undeniably sharp and sexy looking ride with minimalist lines, muscular fenders, and BMW’s familiar Hofmeister kink, which shapes its rear side glass. It’s also a bit larger than the Audi, with 3 inches more length and 3.4 inches of additional wheelbase. Like the Audi, LED lights and trapezoidal exhaust tips are standard.

Audi A5 Quattro

Photo by Audi

Comfort and Cargo

We prefer the seats in the Audi. The BMW’s seats are comfortable, but they’re firmer than they need to be. We also prefer the ride quality of the Audi. Though both of our test cars featured optional sport-tuned suspensions and 19-inch wheels and tires, the Audi rode just a bit smoother despite its shorter wheelbase. The BMW’s ride isn’t uncomfortable; it just isn’t quite as compliant. Both cars are quiet on the highway.

Both coupes have about the same amount of interior storage, cupholders, and trunk space. The trunk of the A5 measures 10.9 cubic feet of space, while the BMW’s trunk offers 12. Both come standard with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, which easily drops flat for your larger items.

Audi A5 Quattro

Photo by Audi

Infotainment System

Last year Audi dialed up the A5’s infotainment system. The all-new system is much faster and has a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. Overall it’s very easy to use and its graphics are sharp and modern. Audi was a pioneer of onboard WiFi, which is standard, and this year the system gets wireless Apple CarPlay.

BMW’s iDrive system was once a dark maze of menus, criptic promps and a clumsy interface. No more. Now in its seventh-generation it’s as easy to use as Audi’s system, and it responds just as quickly. The BMW’s system also features a touchscreen, modern graphics, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. Unfortunately its standard screen is 8.8-inches. The 10.25-inch screen costs extra. And because of that, we give the edge to the Audi. 

Winner: Audi A5 Quattro

Photo by Audi

Safety and Technology

Neither of these coupes has been independently crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the Audi A5 and it did well. IIHS has also tested the 2020 BMW 3 Series sedan, which shares its chassis with the 2021 430i, and named it a Top Safety Pick. The A5 shares its chassis with the Audi A4 sedan.

Both cars come with a long list of standard advanced safety systems, including a lane-departure warning with steering correction, frontal collision preparation, pedestrian warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision preparation, automatic high beams, and speed limit information. Optional systems include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-keep assist. BMW also offers a Level 2 autonomous assist system, which allows for extended hands-free vehicle operation. 

BMW 430i

Photo by BMW

Power and Performance

Both of these coupes are all-wheel drive and powered by turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines with the assist of mild hybrid systems. The Audi’s engine is rated at 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, 13 more horsepower than last year. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, and the A5 coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The BMW’s four-cylinder makes 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque, 7 hp and 36 ft-lbs more than last year. It’s partnered with a well-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, and disappointingly, a manual isn’t available in either car. According to BMW, the 430i is quicker than the Audi, hitting 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. But truth be told, their acceleration feels about the same on the road.

Tie

Photo by BMW

Fuel Economy

The Environmental Protection Agency says these two coupes get the same combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. The Audi’s EPA estimates are 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the BMW is rated at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. In our testing, we averaged 29 mpg during a week of mixed driving in the BMW, and 28 mpg in the Audi under similar conditions.

However, if you don't need all-wheel drive (which is standard on the A5), BMW offers a lighter and more efficient rear-wheel-drive version of the 430i, which is rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. 

Tie

Photo by BMW

Driving Dynamics

Ten years ago, BMW would have owned this category. Its cars were still leading the world in dynamics and Audi was playing catchup. Well, now the situation has flipped. We actually prefer driving the Audi, which is the sportier of the two, especially in its Sport mode. It feels special from behind the wheel striking just the right balance between luxury and sport. It manages to be fast, responsive, and engaging to drive, but also comfortable and refined. 

The BMW 430i is also fun to drive and can be enjoyed every day without sacrifice. Unfortunately, BMW has prioritized smoothness over response, and the coupe’s steering feel — once a BMW hallmark — isn’t as natural as the Audi’s. This is still a driver’s car, however, that feels better the harder you push it especially in its many Sport modes. 

Audi A5 Quattro

Photo by Audi

Value

The base price of the 2021 Audi A5, including its $1,045 destination fee, is $45,045. Remember, that includes all-wheel drive and the 10.1-inch touchscreen. Our well-equipped test car in the top-of-the-line Prestige trim level cost $55,545.

The BMW costs more. With rear-wheel drive and an 8.8-inch screen, the 430i coupe starts at $46,595, including $995 for destination and handling. Adding xDrive all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the MSRP. Our test car, with its optional M Sport package, 10.25-inch screen, and a few other extra-cost options, came in at $53,645. Basically, if you can lay off some pricy options, the Audi is the better deal.

Audi A5 Quattro

Photo by Audi

Verdict

The new 2021 BMW 430i is a great car that has won us over with its daring design, impressive comfort, and inspired performance. BMW has a long history of exceptional coupes, and it has created another.

But the new 2021 Audi A5 is the victor, taking five of nine categories. It not only equals the BMW’s straight-line performance, but it’s more fun to drive, has the more comfortable interior, includes the superior standard infotainment system, and offers more value. While we still recommend the 430i to anyone looking for a luxurious and sexy German sports coupe, the Audi A5 wins this competition. 

Audi A5 Quattro

Photo by Audi