The BMW 4 Series is what we used to know as the 3 Series Coupe. Of course, the Bavarians also copied the 4-door coupe formula, so we have a true rivalry going on between the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the brand new 2017 Audi A5 Sportback.
These two have more in common than most German competitors, the weirdest thing of all being that the 4 Series Gran Coupe opted for an Audi-like liftback trunk opening. It makes getting larger items in and out a complete doddle.
As far as styling is concerned, neither blows you away. It's probably because putting this many doors on a mid-sized car makes the side look cluttered. The only exception seems to be the S5 Sportback and the 4er with the M Sport package.
Of course, both models offer lots of equipment lines, and most Germans will buy them in boring silver. Looks are pretty subjective, but we think the 4 Series gas a beautiful face... shame about that arse, while it's the other way around with the A5 Sportback. The best features of the A5 are the flat shoulder lines that remind us of the Aston Martin DB11. Meanwhile, the Gran Coupe has that butch thing going on.
It's not a competition in the interior department, with the A5 Sportback outclassing the 4 Series by a country mile. That Virtual Cockpit system makes even the i8 seem a little dull. The gear shifter pulled from the Q7 is also a great touch.
But most BMW interiors have always been about letting substance triumph over style. You could blindfold the driver of a 2000 3 Series, put him into this Gran Coup, and he would know how everything works. The A5, meanwhile, takes most people a couple of weeks to master.
Overall, we have to say that we are fans of the superior rear legroom in the A5 Sportback. These things are also closer than ever regarding powertrains, both offering only 2- and 3-liter gasoline and diesel engines. The only noticeable difference is that the twin-turbo 425d goes up against a larger single turbo 3.0 TDI. Oh, and the A5 makes a half-and-half split between offering the 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox and the 8-speed ZF auto, which is what the Bimmer has.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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