Stepping out of a Z4, it was immediately apparent that the Audi is a way more laid-back automobile. The Bimmer is stiff, intense, overly-alert and razor-sharp. The Audi is more of a grand touring cruiser with poised reflexes but without the paranoid anger that consumes the BMW.

For the looks alone?
The rivalry between BMW and Audi has never been so intense. Where BMW is content with creating focused and fairly compact cars, Audi has decided to move outwards in size. Aesthetics are always tough to discuss as tastes are a personal matter. BMW, Mercedes and Audi offer up some of the best-looking cars on the road and not one is “better” than the other.

Inherently, coupes are more stylish than sedans.

As far as coupes are concerned, the A5 has no direct rival in the Mercedes clan as the E-Class Coupe is a notch above class-wise and the SLK takes on the TT and Z4. With BMW, the A5 clashes directly with the 3-Series and, for me, wins hands-down for sheer desirability. Plus you could use the back seat (roomier than the 3, ideal for booster seats) if you needed too; the perfect argument to win over the wife...



Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert