Audi
RS5
BMW
M4
Audi RS5 vs BMW M4: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi RS5 offers fuel economy, while the BMW M4 excels at power instead. Choose the Audi RS5 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the BMW M4 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RS5
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The naturally aspirated V8 models (B8/B8.5, 2013-2015) are praised for their thrilling, high-revving engine character, exceptional exhaust sound, and perceived build quality, making them desirable for driving enthusiasts. However, they are associated with very high and unpredictable maintenance costs outside of warranty.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version, as preferences are split by generation. Enthusiasts seeking engine character and sound strongly favor the B8/B8.5 generation with the 4.2L FSI V8.
Known issues
- ⚠**B9 Generation (2018+ 2.9L TFSI V6):** Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension leaks: very frequent issue reported at mileage thresholds (often above 60k-70k miles), leading to expensive repairs (~$7k-$11k). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine ancillary failures: PCV valve leaks and water pump failures are recurrently mentioned as common points of failure for the EA839 engine. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠High cost of consumables: brake pads, rotors, and tires are noted as being exceptionally expensive. Frequency: recurrent.
M4
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with performance, daily drivability, and emotional fulfillment. The M4 is consistently described as a "dream car" that delivers a thrilling, occasion-like driving experience. Owners of the current G82 generation (2021+) praise its all-around capability as a perfect daily driver that is "quick enough to do everything, but also super comfortable," with a smooth ride and impressive technology.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Strong appreciation is expressed for both the F82 (2015-2020) and G82 (2021+) generations.
Known issues
- ⚠High Cost of Ownership: Very frequent warnings about expensive routine maintenance (tires, brakes) and major repairs (turbos) on used, high-mileage examples. Budgeting thousands annually is emphasized. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Carbon Bucket Seat Drawbacks: Recurrent mentions of being a "pain to live with," including difficulty entering/exiting, wear on bolsters, and compromised comfort for some passengers on long trips. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Risk of Purchasing Modified Used Vehicles: Recurrent strong advice against buying modified M4s due to unknown build quality, potential hidden damage from aggressive tuning, and the likelihood that the car was driven hard.
The verdict
The Audi RS5 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the BMW M4, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the BMW M4 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi RS5 or the BMW M4?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi RS5 and the BMW M4. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi RS5 or the BMW M4?
The Audi RS5 seats more passengers than the BMW M4 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Audi RS5 is classed as a Fastback, the BMW M4 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi RS5 or the BMW M4?
The Audi RS5 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.7-9.8 L/100km combined versus 10.2 L/100km for the BMW M4, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi RS5 or the BMW M4?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi RS5 than the BMW M4. See the known issues comparison above.