Audi A5 Sportback vs BMW i3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 BMW i3
Overview
| Spec | Audi A5 SportbackPremium S line | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium S line | Base |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | electric |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | electric |
| Model year | 2025 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A5 SportbackPremium S line | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,400 | $44,450 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $21,194 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $28,650 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $37,423 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 12 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A5 SportbackPremium S line | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG (best) | — |
| City MPG | 23 MPG (best) | — |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG (best) | — |
| Combined MPGe | — | 113 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | — | 153 mi (best) |
| Battery capacity | — | 42 kWh (best) |
| 240V charge time | — | 7 hr (best) |
| Fuel tank | 15.3 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A5 SportbackPremium S line | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 261 hp (best) | 168 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft (best) | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | — |
| Cylinders | I4 | — |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A5 SportbackPremium S line | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 21.8 cu ft | 36.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 1,058 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,770 lbs | 2,972 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in (best) | 101.2 in |
| Length | 187.2 in (best) | 158.3 in |
| Width | 72.6 in (best) | 69.9 in |
| Height | 54.6 in | 62.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A5 SportbackPremium S line | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi A5 Sportback | BMW i3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium S line $48,400 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $44,450 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $49,700 MSRP | Base $48,300 MSRP |
| 3 | Premium Plus $53,300 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Premium Plus S line $54,200 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Audi A5 Sportback12 for sale
See all
Used2021 Audi A5 Sportback
S line Premium Plus
Black Metallic•Black91,027 mi$23,423Jack Hanania Audi Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
Used2023 Audi A5 Sportback
S line Premium Plus
Gray Metallic•Black32,643 mi$37,423Jack Hanania Audi Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
Used2021 Audi A5 Sportback
45 S line Premium
White•Black85,604 mi$21,194Land Rover Reno
Reno, NV
Used2023 Audi A5 Sportback
45 S line Premium Plus
Black Metallic•black53,450 mi$27,999Porsche Conshohocken
Conshohocken, PA
Used2024 Audi A5 Sportback
45 S line Premium Plus
White•Black54,959 mi$26,315Wischnewsky CDJR of Baytown
Baytown, TX
Used2023 Audi A5 Sportback
45 S line Premium Plus
Gray Metallic•Black59,346 mi$30,989Ben Mynatt Chevrolet
Concord, NC
Audi A5 Sportback vs BMW i3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Audi A5 Sportback vs 2021 BMW i3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 BMW i3 starts lower at $44,450. Live Audi A5 Sportback listings start at $21,194.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (44,450).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (153).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2025 Audi A5 Sportback leads on horsepower in this comparison (268).
- Which has better seats: 2025 Audi A5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2025 Audi A5 Sportback leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Audi A5 Sportback vs 2021 BMW i3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A5 Sportback (5/5 NHTSA overall).