At the moment, BMW doesn't have a model to go up against the Audi S5 per say. The only car in their line-up that can, on some level, match up against the four-ringed S model is the 435i. However, even then things are being pushed a little.
That's because they are compared only due to some similarities and not for the complete package. The both have 3-liter 6-cylinder engines, and both have similar sizes but while the Audi is a semi-performance car, the Bimmer is just... a Bimmer.
That's also probably why BMW is pushing ahead with its M Performance range that is supposed to fill the void between standard models like the 435i and the full-on M ones, like the M4. However, while we do have M135i, M235i, M550d and M50d versions, the 3 and 4 Series range lacks such an offering at the moment.
Therefore, it's up to the 435i to take on the S5 and things are not looking good. What we have below is a comparison between the drop-top versions of these two models and due to the higher specs of the Audi things are pretty clear before they even set off.
On the tech side of things, we should point out that the four-ringed convertible has a 3-liter V6 engine under the bonnet good for 333 HP and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. It also has the quattro all-wheel drive system to rely on and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
On the other hand, the BMW has a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder mill under the bonnet making 306 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, it's rear-wheel drive and has an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It's also heavier than the Audi with a metal retractable roof.
Even so, the Bimmer manages to keep up with its more powerful rival here and even catches up towards the 200 km/h (124 mph) marker. Let's just hope BMW decides to launch a proper M Performance model to keep the S5 at bay.
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