Audi A5 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Audi A5

$79,900 - $92,900

2026 price

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BMW I3

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Lamborghini Huracan

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA200

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2026 Audi A5

2020 BMW I3

By Chris Thompson

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Stacked with techy features
Edition One value is hard to deny
Still a delight to drive

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

Loses some interior simplicity
Edition One not a permanent fixture
Having to wait for more variants

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

2026 Audi A5 Summary

The Audi A5 has done something naughty. It’s replaced the Audi A4.

Or at least that’s the case for now after the Ingolstadt brand made a bit of a mess of its naming strategy.

Essentially, the Audi A5 is now available as a sedan or a wagon, and the next A4 coming soon will be electric. The previous A5 was a swoopier two-door coupe or four-door gran coupe style model. So the A5 is now effectively Audi’s main BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class and CLA rival.

Plus, the Audi S5 is also here to cater to performance car fans.

Can a new platform, a sleek, fresh look and a techy interior do the job?

We’ve been pedalling around the Victorian countryside in the hopes of finding out.

Stick with me, and I reckon we’ll get to the bottom of it. The question about the car, that is, not the bottom of Victoria.

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2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi A5 2020 BMW I3

Verdict

The Audi A5 remains a convincing option in the premium mid-size sedan category, even with the near-$10K price increase over its equivalent grade A4 predecessor.

Even in its base spec, it’s a lovely thing to drive and adds enough new kit to be a reasonable option when it comes to value. In terms of tech usability, it stands out from rivals. Practicality is still king for Audi.

But for the heart-over-head types, the S5 is fast and fun while remaining a comfortable cruiser and the price is decent. On a personal note, a six-cylinder wagon? That's a big yes from me.

For the time it’s available, it’s hard to go past the value on offer in the S5 Edition One. Getting an AWD V6 with that kind of capability for under $100K is something that's sure to tempt buyers. If it doesn’t, we need to take a good look at ourselves.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Audi A5 vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A5 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?