BMW 1 Series vs Audi S7
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Audi S7

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2020 Audi S7

By Chris Thompson

By Tung Nguyen

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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9.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Supermodel good looks.
Smooth engine/transmission combo.
Liftback practicality.

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

Limited rear-seat headroom.
Expensive options.
Rear-wheel steering.

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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2020 Audi S7 Summary

If you want something large, fast and comfortable, no one does it better than the Germans, and the latest entrant to the market is Audi’s all-new S7 Sportback.

Using the uber-stylish second-generation A7 as a basis, the new S7 Sportback scores cutting-edge technology and premium appointments befitting a large luxury sedan, but it’s often what’s under the bonnet that will draw buyers in.

This new S7 replaces the old version’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 but, don’t fear, as having fewer cylinders has not dulled its performance or appeal.

As a whole though, does the new Audi S7 Sportback deliver a winning blow?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2020 Audi S7

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

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

Verdict

Audi’s S7 Sportback wraps style, comfort and sportiness in an appealing package that is sure to please onlookers and occupants alike.

The great engine/transmission aside, the S7 Sportback also has cutting-edge technology at a more affordable pricetag, though less-than-comfortable rear-seat space lets it down a little.

We wish the car we sampled didn’t have the all-wheel steering, as we much preferred the more neutral feel of the S6 sedan we also drove but, overall, the S7 Sportback puts forward a strong case for its existence.

BMW 1 Series vs Audi S7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Audi S7
What's the difference?