Two of the most admired models in the UK are head to head, which one is better?

It depends on the customer behavior that what kind of vehicle suits him better, an estate, an SUV, or a sports car, or a High-end saloon just like Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series. These two mentioned models are actually class leading models in the UK and most times win the chance to get selected by the buyers. Both automakers, Audi and BMW are well admired and known for their high-end saloons.

The all-new 2017 A4 and 2016 3 series sports saloons are one of the masterpieces of the giant automakers. Both models offer impressive performance and have high-end equipment list to offer that includes driver assisting gadgets and much more to improve driving capabilities but when a buyer has both choices on hand, then it is a bit tough to decide that which one is impressive, better to drive and must be bought. One of the important question needs to be answered is that, which one should I buy?

In order to facilitate your decision making, we have created comparison infographic for both of these giant saloons. Both of these automakers have tweaked the A4 and 3 Series to some extent. Audi has tweaked the A4 in 2017 and BMW has introduced partially tweaked 3 Series in 2016. Before we start comparing both of them, let’s have a look at the changes introduced on both models.

2017 Audi A4 Changes

The A4 has been absolutely tremendous with its newly redesigned interior. Thus, it is most recent 2017 units in the market are actually beating the competitors by a big margin, which is why we’re comparing it to the 2016 3 series. Whilst its overall body and outlook still looks much like the outgoing model, changes slot in a revised and well-organized interior with a new look and a bit extra space has been captured, an up-to-date powertrain for utmost and refined performance and a number of new gadgets, some of them are standard and others are optional.

2016 BMW 3 series changes

BMW loves to retain its legacy in its models by offering them with some extra oomph, the biggest change to 2016 3 series is a more strong engine for this top end saloon, which also receives a repute change from 335i to 340i. Other changes incorporate an awfully refined body tweak and optional LED headlights. So, overall changes in the 3 Series are more major and powerful than those offered in the A4.

2017 Audi A4 vs BMW3 Series Comparison

The 3 series prices range begins at a meek £28k and as verified our 330i xDrive is about £30k. However, piling on the equal features to match Audi’s tech collection adds another six grand to the price tag, so it’s nearly a swab in regards to value.

It’s in easy reach to earl why the 3 series is the benchmark for the class, and BMW has accomplished a well-balanced model, now not simply the posh and wearing features of its iconic blockbusters, but in addition to innovation it is even easier to use as a driver friendly saloon.

The A4 starts at £29k, and runs practically up to the price of £40k as equipped, nevertheless it has nearly each and every feature you might ever ask for, and with its satisfactory and excellent and performance, it just looks like a rebate. The same will also be said for the 3 series, which also has a genuine wagon in the lineup if you are partial to that useful cargo area.

I would live happily with either this sort of luxury saloons or none of the differences or flaws may bother me much.

BMW is a driver’s car in all aspects, however, it’s additionally handy to reside with as an everyday driver’s car. Company car drivers also love to buy the 3 series. However, on another hand, the Audi A4 does all that and drives just a little bit higher, the technological advancement feels somewhat sharper, but it has nearly the same price as of the 3 series, so it’s my pick as the new king for the compact luxurious segment in the UK.

Power stats of the A4 and 3 Series

Both automakers, Audi and BMW are very keen towards their engines and they have offered some of the best engines in these upper-level saloons. The BMW 3 series is armed with a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder and it feels robust than its stats would recommend and lighter than its curb weight.

The top power of 248 hp comes at 5,200 rpm, and it has a mean little snarl as you push it even harder, but the 258 lb-ft of torque starts flowing at 1450 rpm, so there’s a lot of pull at low engine revs. Despite the fact it has a curb weight of 3700lbs. BMW engineers have by some means decreased its 0 to 62 miles per hour time to just over five seconds, a hair turbo than the extra strong, torquier, lighter A4. The all new eight-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive technology deserve so much of the credit for the spectacular acceleration, however, they serve the 3 series excellently in different ways.

Transmissions on 3 series

The transmission, remarkably, is a gem. It is gentle, smooth and unbroken in day-to-day driving, but the sports mode makes shifts quick and snappy, and paddle shifters imply that you can decide on your own gears when the temper strikes you.

It’s each bit equal of Audi’s twin-clutch, but without the awkward pauses when on long journeys or making low-rev maneuvers like 3-series turns or parking. The shifter grosses some success, but that isn’t perfect in this segment, and it equally can also be mentioned in the A4, and as a minimum, it’s not as hectic as the stalk shifter used in the C-class.

The constantly flowing power from the 3 series engine, shift the transmission and it keeps the car moving while always keeping in the right gear, and the rear-biased all-wheel drive will transfer torque front to back for superb power distribution in the corners. With 52/48 weight distribution ratio, it’s a well-balanced car, so it only gets out of types in the event you drive it. By now you will have to be well mindful of my deep and abiding love for the A4, which serves our family well, but in addition, presents just enough of an exciting power for me to take my favorite on the road.

Transmissions on Audi A4

The A4 powers off the line with 273 lb-ft on hand and this power start flowing from 1,600 rpm, then 252 hp kicking in at 5,000 rpm, and Audi’s all-wheel drive technology will get the power down to the wheels, launching its 3,626 lb to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. If I needed to point my finger at one thing that allows the heavier, less robust BMW 3 series to beat the A4 to 60, it could be its most modern transmission designed by BMW.

Even though the dual clutch seven-speed S Tronic is amazing at all speeds, it is gradual to interact, possibly costing it that 0.2 seconds or a bit advance to shift the power on to the differentials and wheels. Seeing that the A4 isn’t mainly designed for the racing ribbons, so that is comparatively more of a pest when parking or crawling around the parking areas. For an essentially intent, the Audi A4 is just a bit better on fuel saving, rating 24 mpg in the hefty city traffic, 31 on the motorway and 27 combined, at the same time, the 3 series is listed at 23 miles per gallon, 33 miles per gallon and 26 miles per gallon on average.

Step up Inside for interior comparison

The 3 Series is a handsome and luxurious saloon overall even its interior or exterior and has stayed fresh and up-to-date even several years after it debuted, thanks to a fairly old-fashioned and tasteful design. Like the A4, the 3 Series isn’t as spectacular or innovative, but it is still alluring and returns massive sales, and the more time you spend in it, the more you’ll escalate how well the whole thing is laid out. The sports seats featured here are excellently relaxed, adaptable and supportive in every way, even including side bolsters that hug your upper body to lock you in place. The rear seats are spacious and contented enough for three kids, or a pair of adults and the trunk offers 13 cubic feet of space along with split folding rear seats to increase the space to more than double.

The cabin is solidly developed and completely sound proof and locked down for relaxed and comfortable riding, with a contact of charming timber styled trim including some appealing and luxury looks. At the same time, the plastics and all the controls in the cabin have also imparted a sense of luxury, the steering wheel, and leather seats give an impression of being a bit lower in quality as compared to the richer materials used in the Audi A4 interior.

One factor we might find difficult to exist in the Audi is Audi’s gorgeous steering wheel. The contoured grips of the S-line wheel consider exceptional and the pierced leather-based covering is even superb, as is the leather protecting the seats and giving them even fascinating look.

Whilst the seat adjustable bolsters are offered with the 3 Series only, Audi A4 does not have any of these features, however, the majority of drivers think that these adjustments are not even necessary as Audi has an ample space in the rear cabin. During the tests it is noticed that the rear seat legroom is a little bit better than the 3 series offers, however, each will in all probability be relaxed for all, with comfortably accessed anchors for automobile seat installation.

The cargo space and boot in the A4 is the same 13 cubic ft. as the 330i, with an alike seat splitting and folding capabilities to get some extra space. In general, people don’t need to say it once more, but we can, the luxury and clinch in the A4 is as good as it will get in this class.

The dashboard materials, control buttons, and knobs are equally better and of the same quality to the 3 series in most scenes. Just like the BMW 3 Series features wooden trims, Audi A4 features aluminum trim alternatively of wood, so there may be little to separate the two in interior refinement, even though the Audi features an interacting and appealing lights and colors that make an extra attractive night-time look, and an adjustable armrest that tilts and slides, while the 3 Series armrest simply slides. The most important change will come down to taste and be picking the inner trim that fits you, and both BMW and Audi offers a selection of wooden trims, leather and color schemes.

Technological Advancements

Another element that makes the 3 Series easier to Drive in heavy traffic because of its iDrive interface. After several generations of enlargements, iDrive has to turn out to be an ease of use, ergonomics and logical menus and controls. Because everything is opened through the infotainment centrally inserted and adjusted screen, it swiftly becomes a natural fact to reach over to the large knob on the console and click on and scroll down menus. The top of the controller points has a touch pad that uses for hand attention so that you could scrawl in contact names, numbers or enter destinations.

Making the mapping and route control more easy to use such as Google Maps for arrival time and deflecting round site scowls. Even as digital cockpit continues to be a favorite, the two-sided setup can reward an accepting load of new customers. With some main functions available through the dash top display, drivers have a propensity to use that controller as a default device, so it lacks that complete utility that’s so endearing in the even top rated models like the Audi R8 or Audi TT.

All the normal mobile, audio and mapping capabilities are on hand in gadgets offered in the Audi A4, but car settings and destinations have to be entered in the sprint-top monitor, which is easy use and appropriate use of the knob and handwriting realization, however recalling which services you will not be able to use in the class leading gadget cluster is only the virtual cockpit adds a sliver of complexity.

Driving Dynamics Duo

Even though it’s nearing the end of its life cycle, the 3 series endure to sell better, and it’s no longer a mystery to solve and see why it is a best seller. The heart and soul of the 3 series is its driving dynamics, thus they are in all BMW models and although time and technology have robbed it of some of its analog magic, it’s still a joy to drive with the driving dynamics called EfficientDynamics.

Even as the control on the road may just insipid in comparison with prior generations for pure instinctual feedback, it has an immense weight within the two modes and offers direct, immediate reaction that makes driving the BMW 330i both easy and rewarding.

In the standard comfort mode or Eco mode, the control is lighter and more parking-lot. Awkwardly, our Audi A4 was no longer organized with any of the driving assistant features that make commuting rather less stressful, however thanks to excellent visibility, excellent balance, and control in any driving situation, even on the motorway or in the city areas. While piloting the 330 is easy, the experience generally is a bit uneven now and then even on this 17-inch wintry weather tyre package, virtually as a lot as the A4 with the sports suspension and gigantic 19-inch wheels. Organized with the sports package as it’s, the A4 2.0T Quattro is a fully fledged sports saloon.

Past the power getting off the road, the evolution of Quattro has exiled understeer except for the most tremendously absurd corner entries. Coming out of corners, power shifts to the rear and it feels like a tremendous hand is gently showing the tail of the vehicle again in line.

Verdict

It is now up to you to conclude the results as we have described the majority of things and in contrast to the comparison here are the advantages one model poses over the other, might help you select one.