Compare the2022 Audi S5VS 2022 BMW 4 Series Convertible

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the S5. But it costs extra on the 4 Series Convertible.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the S5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The S5 Premium Plus/Prestige has a standard Top View Cameras to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The 4 Series Convertible only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the S5 and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the S5 the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 4 Series Convertible has not been tested, yet.

The S5’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 94 more horsepower (349 vs. 255) and 75 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 294) than the 430i Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The S5’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 1 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 368) than the M440i Convertible’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi S5 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 4 Series Convertible requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

For better stopping power the S5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Convertible:

For better traction, the S5 has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Convertible (255/35R19 vs. 225/45R18). The S5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Convertible (265/30R20 vs. 225/40R19).

The S5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 430i’s standard 45 series tires. The S5’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the 4 Series Convertible’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the S5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the 430i. The S5’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the 4 Series Convertible.

The S5 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 4 Series Convertible; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The S5 is 3 inches shorter than the 430i, making the S5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The S5 is 3.1 inches shorter than the M440i.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the S5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The S5 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The S5 has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 4 Series Convertible.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi S5 Premium Plus/Prestige has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The S5 Prestige’s Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Audi A5/S5/RS 5 outsold the BMW 4 Series by almost two to one during 2020.