2020 Audi A4 vs 2020 BMW 3 Series
The 2020 Audi A4 and 2020 BMW 3 Series are premium compact executive saloons that dominate the European market, frequently pitted against each other due to their shared focus on luxury, performance, and technology. Both offer a range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, with saloon boot capacities of 480 litres, making them ideal for business users and families seeking refinement. They are commonly compared for their driving dynamics—BMW emphasizing sportiness and Audi prioritizing comfort—along with competitive pricing and equipment levels in trims like Audi's S Line and BMW's M Sport.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Audi A4 | BMW 3 Series | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | BMW 3 Series offers sportier handling, sharper steering, minimal body roll, and responsive controls, with smoother low-speed auto gearbox shifts. | Audi A4 provides composed ride with natural steering weight and quick accelerator response, but less agile than BMW. | A |
| Comfort | BMW delivers good isolation from bumps but firmer suspension and heavier steering. | Audi excels with supple ride quality, plush cabin, and superior refinement, gliding over road imperfections. | B |
| Technology | BMW features BMW Live Cockpit Plus with 8.8-inch cluster, LED lights, ambient lighting, three-zone climate, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. | Audi offers similar connectivity, climate control, DAB radio, with optional dynamic indicators in S Line. | Tie |
| Safety | BMW includes ABS, airbags, traction control, optional lane assist, blind spot monitoring, crash sensor. | Audi adds standard rear camera, parking sensors, forward-collision warning with auto braking; five-star Euro NCAP. | B |
| Practicality | BMW provides 480L boot, ample front/rear space, slightly larger back seats, 40/20/40 folding seats; PHEV reduces space. | Audi matches 480L boot (squarer shape), good head/legroom but less rear legroom, same folding seats. | Tie |
| Running Costs | BMW has efficient powertrains including PHEV (37-mile EV range), but higher initial and monthly lease costs. | Audi is more affordable upfront and on leases, with 44-50mpg from 2.0 TFSI/diesel engines. | B |
| Resale Value | BMW holds value well but pricier like-for-like. | Audi more affordable on used market. | B |
Strengths
2020 Audi A4
Sportier handling and engaging drive
Smoother auto gearbox at low speeds
Slightly larger rear seats
PHEV option for efficiency
2020 BMW 3 Series
Superior comfort and refinement
More affordable running costs
Plush, stylish interior
Standard safety features
Weaknesses
2020 Audi A4
Higher purchase and lease costs
Firmer ride
Heavier steering feel
2020 BMW 3 Series
Less fun to drive
Jerky low-speed shifts
Slightly less rear legroom
Pricing Comparison
Audi A4
€35,000 - €55,000
BMW 3 Series
€32,000 - €52,000
Entry-level 2020 Audi A4 is cheaper than BMW 3 Series equivalents, with lower monthly lease costs due to affordability on the used market. Both offer strong value in S Line/M Sport trims with similar equipment, but Audi provides better initial savings for European buyers.
Reliability
Audi A4
Above AverageBMW 3 Series
Above Average
Both 2020 models exhibit premium reliability with refined diesel/petrol engines achieving 44-50mpg without issues. Audi edges in comfort refinement, BMW in driving engagement; no major disparities noted in reviews, supported by industry-leading safety tech.
Best For
Audi A4
Enthusiastic drivers seeking sporty dynamics, B-road fun, and PHEV efficiency for company car users in Europe.
BMW 3 Series
Comfort-focused buyers prioritizing plush rides, lower costs, and standard safety for daily commuting and family use.
Final Verdict
Too Close to Call
The 2020 BMW 3 Series wins on performance and driver engagement, while the Audi A4 leads in comfort, costs, and safety. Choice depends on priorities: BMW for fun, Audi for refinement. Both excel as premium saloons with tied practicality.