Audi A4 v BMW 3 Series head-to-head

Premium saloon cars are a favourite of fleet drivers, especially in 2.0-litre turbodiesel form. We pitch the revived Audi A4 and ever-popular BMW 3 Series head-to-head to see which makes the most driving and financial sense.

Both produce 188bhp and 295lb ft of torque, pulling strongly from a mere 1750rpm and sprinting from 0-60mph in around eight seconds. A lighter kerbweight and more responsive seven-speed automatic gearbox make the Audi feel livelier, however, while its engine is smoother and quieter. The BMW is the better contender in traffic and when parking thanks to its smoother eight-speed transmission.

Both of our contenders had sporty trim: S Line for the Audi, M Sport for the BMW. The rear-wheel-drive 3 Series boasts more engaging handling, although its optional Servotronic steering is heavier than the more natural-feeling set-up in the front-wheel-drive A4.

The ride on both models is as firm as anticipated. The A4 S Line can be specced with either softer conventional suspension or adaptive dampers, but our test car had neither and proved fidgety on the motorway. Our BMW had an adaptive set-up, so – in Comfort mode – was more supple in town and better settled at speed.

Both cars have decent driving positions, with better back support from the Audi and more hip-hugging seats in the BMW. Yet while the BMW’s cabin is nice enough with plenty of space, the Audi’s is exquisite thanks to its top-level quality, airier feel and fantastic appointments. Both have superb infotainment systems, with crisp graphics and ultra-clear displays.

Two adults will be more than comfortable in the rear of each car; three, less so. Legroom is slightly better in the BMW. Both contenders boast a 480-litre boot space, but the Audi’s squarer shape and standard-fit folding rear seats edge it.