Twin test: Audi A4 v BMW 3 Series

The Audi’s engine is far smoother than the BMW’s as well. However, our test A4 lacked the optional adaptive dampers as fitted to the 3 Series. Given that both cars were assessed in firmer-riding S Line and M Sport trim, this meant the BMW proved the more compliant car overall. It fidgets less on motorways and takes the sting out of speed bumps better.

The BMW is more fun to drive as well. It’s playful and resists body roll well. The Audi places a greater emphasis on accuracy and precision, although its gradual build-up of steering weight is nice.

You can always bank on Audi having some of the best interiors in the business. The new A4 is no exception and moves the game on once again. We’re talking switches that feel-aviation-grade here, and gorgeous finish throughout. The BMW is OK but can’t match the Audi.

Both cars have good driving positions. There are no ergonomic flaws in models like these nowadays. Their sporty seats are nice too, with the Audi’s feeling slightly roomier than the low-slung BMW. The 3 Series, surprisingly, has better rear-seat space, although neither is particularly comfortable for three people back there. Boot space is an identical 480 litres, but the A4’s load bay is wider, and split-fold seats are standard, not optional.

They’re similarly-matched on costs. Lease them over three years, on 10,000 miles a year, and you’ll pay an identical £391 for both. Company car tax is nearly identical, with the A4 costing a scant £342 less than the BMW. Prices are almost the same and discounts barely change this.

The A4’s biggest advantage is in PCP rates: it is £14 a month cheaper. But although it’s cheaper to service, by £500, it will cost £300 more to fuel. As for equipment levels, both have the essentials, such as sat nav, DAB and Bluetooth, plus climate control and cruise control. The A4 has rear-seat climate control and xenon headlights, but the BMW has full leather upholstery: it’s part-leather in the A4.

Audi and BMW watch each other like hawks, so it’s no surprise to find both cars are so closely-matched. Either is a great drive, with strong diesel engines that shouldn’t have you yearning for a six-cylinder alternative.

Once again though, the A4 gets the nod. It’s just that little bit better in key areas such as interior quality, performance and refinement, and it’s easier to live with than the BMW. You’ll perhaps enjoy driving twisty roads in the 3 Series more, but the A4 is the better all-rounder, and thus a worthy five-star twin-test winner.

1: Audi A4 2.0 TDI 190 S Line S Tronic (5 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £34,430
Target price £30,887
Power 188bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 7.9sec
Top speed 147mph
Fuel economy 67.3mpg
CO2 emissions 111g/km

2: BMW 320d M Sport Sport auto (4 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £34,880
Target price £30,355
Power 188bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 8.0sec
Top speed 143mph
Fuel economy 64.2mpg
CO2 emissions 116g/km

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