Compare the2025 BMW M2VS 2024 Audi S5

The M2 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the S5 Premium Plus/Prestige offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the M2 has standard Cross Traffic Warning, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the S5 Premium Plus/Prestige offers Rear Cross-Traffic Assist.

The M2’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the M2 and the S5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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 and rearview cameras.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the S5.

There are over 14 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 36 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 85 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 10 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The M2’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 124 more horsepower (473 vs. 349) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 369) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The M2’s optional 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 124 more horsepower (473 vs. 349) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 369) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

The M2 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The S5 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The M2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The S5 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the M2’s brake rotors are larger than those on the S5:

For better traction, the M2 has larger tires than the S5 (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. 255/35R19). The M2’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S5 (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. 265/30R20).

The M2’s 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S5’s standard 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M2 has standard 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the S5.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the M2 is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than on the S5.

The M2’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.1% to 47.9%) than the S5’s (56.7% to 43.3%). This gives the M2 more stable handling and braking.

The M2 handles at 1.04 G’s, while the S5 Prestige Coupe pulls only .94 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The M2 is 4.6 inches shorter than the S5, making the M2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the M2 a Compact car, while the S5 Coupe is rated a Subcompact.

The M2 has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S5 Coupe (88 vs. 84).

The M2 has .7 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more front shoulder room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the S5 Coupe.

The M2 has a much larger trunk than the S5 Coupe (13.8 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

The M2’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the S5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The M2 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the M2 will retain 55.54% of its original price after five years, while the S5 only retains 52.03% to 53.7%.