Looking at buying a new luxury car? The Audi A4 and BMW 320d go head to head.

Audi A4 2.0 TDIe ... from $49,900 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl; 100kW/320Nm; 6-sp man; 4.8L/100km and 124g/km CO2; FWD.

Value Cheapest A4 you can buy. Highlights: electric park brake, auto lights/wipers, 16-inch alloys. Misses an auto option, Bluetooth and multi-zone airconditioning.

Inside Cost cuts evident in missing glovebox light and driver lumbar support. Capable but cheap-looking trip display.

Engine Stop-start system works best in town. Official fuel figures pie-in-the-sky but real-world numbers still impress.

How it drives Steers with a hint of life but dynamics package still feels softer than BMW's consistently high benchmark.

Safety Six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, 5-star crash safety, no all-wheel-drive.


Verdict Better than the BMW at saving the planet but too many comfort features are optional.


BMW 320d Lifestyle ... from $59,100 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl; 135kW/380Nm; 6-sp auto; 6.8L/100km, 140g/km CO2; RWD.

Value More expensive but updated model gains six-speed auto, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, partial electric front seat adjust.

Inside Styling lacks the Audi's interesting design but quality materials, more gear make up for it. Smaller boot.

Engine We've not driven the 135kW unit but old 130kW one goes well. Thirstier on paper than Audi.


How it drives Current model's sporty chassis outclasses engine but ride a bit choppy. The driver's choice, though.

Safety Six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, 5-star safety. Run-flat tyres.

Verdict More expensive and less economical, but new version's overall package is more appealing.

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