Compare the2026 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2026 Audi A5

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The A5 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 14 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 73 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The M235’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 44 more horsepower (312 vs. 268) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series Gran Coupe gets better mileage than the A5:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Audi A5 (4). This means the 2 Series Gran Coupe produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the A5 every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the M235’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the A5:

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard space-saver spare (not available on M235i) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the A5; 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 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the A5’s (38.4 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 700 pounds less than the Audi A5.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is 10.9 inches shorter than the A5, making the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series Gran offers cargo security. The A5’s hatchback body style and non-lockable folding seat defeat cargo security.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the A5.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The A5 Premium Plus/Prestige’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The A5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Audi A5/S5/RS 5 by 24% during 2025.