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BMW 316d vs Audi A4 TDIe

BMW has launched its most efficient version of the 3-Series yet, but can Audi’s ne w eco A4 steal its thunder? We hit the motorways to find out.

BMW 316d vs Audi A4 TDIe

December 2009

Desirability, efficiency and luxury are the holy trinity for those with company cars.

And high-mileage business drivers will love these two newcomers, which aim to provide all three in attractive and tax-friendly compact executive saloon bodies.

When it comes to low emissions in this prestige sector, BMW has set the pace with its EfficientDynamics hardware. And the firm’s new ultra-efficient 316d is powered by a detuned version of its familiar 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 116bhp model is claimed to return combined fuel economy of 62.8mpg, thanks to stop-start technology, low rolling resistance rubber and brake energy regeneration. Low CO2 emissions of 118g/km also ensure company drivers only pay 13 per cent benefit-in-kind tax.

But the 316d isn’t the sole option in the eco saloon class. Audi’s A4 is set to lock horns with its German rival, as it’s now available in TDIe guise and has stop-start technology for the first time.

A glance at the A4’s spec sheet shows it has more power than the 3-Series, plus similarly impressive economy and CO2 claims. So, has the Audi’s time finally come, or will the BMW retain its place at the front of the compact executive pack?

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5 Comments

Economy Compact Executive Cars

Surely the cars tested are loaded with extras to make tha photos look better! For example, tha A4 shown appears to have the S Line package and the BMW Half leather, sports seats and Climate control. none of which is standard on the 316D ES.
You can bet that both cars shown are £2000 - £3000 above the prices quoted over the so-called "bargain basement" stripped out versions that we are likely to get as company cars!! We'd be better off with an Insignia 2.0 CDTI Ecoflex SE or even an Elite spec car as you would at least get a discount off the list price!!

By BOB_STEPHENS on 11 December, 2009, 10:38am

Cars at the right price?

Bob Stephens you are correct - just have a look at the table for the price of the Audi - it goes up to £30k+! Nevermind a Vauxhall you could probably get the equivalent Volvo for a much cheaper price with lots of extras included. I cannot understand how cars which are supposed to be Premium brand charge extra fro cruise control. Yes, Audi cars are beautifully built but they cost a fortune when one specs them up. Can't talk for BMW - I've never owned one.

By Bristolbluemanc on 25 December, 2009, 11:10am

aA4 tdie vs 320 efficient dynamics

Try this; compare the A4 TDIe SE against the 320ed (Efficient Dynamics).
Cost: Audi £25.2K, BMW £27.7.
Tax at 40%: Audi £1307, BMW £1400.
Size/space: Audi = bigger.
BMW has rear wheel drive, so if you're Tiff Needel then you'll appreciate that, but unfortunately for Tiff he'll not be able to experience that tiny difference because rear wheel drive BMW's are still stranded all over the UK because of the snow we had in January - it was so funny to see them littered everywhere as the rest of us drove by in our front wheel drive cars...
And, if you add the options to the BMW 320ed to bring it up to the Audi SE spec, then the cost of the BMW jumps up by another £1500 to make it £4K more than the Audi...

By jahall333 on 23 March, 2010, 12:56pm

UGLY UGLY Beemer. Rubbish run flat tyre's which totally trash the ride, pedals offset to the right, poor finish to interior. Oh, forget all that because it's got rear wheel drive! We'll give it five stars cos it's a 3 series and it's got rear wheel drive so it must be a sports car; right?. No, it's a compact executive and should be judged as small executive car. Quality, refinement, ride, handling, costs. Not the other way around. I drive my business partners 320d and it's pants compared to my old style A4 which I sadly don't have any more.

The beemers ride is nearly as bad as an old Alfa 155 on rubber bands I had the misfortune to drive some years back.

Come on reviewers, if you want a sports car get a 7 or an Elise. But review executive cars on the things that matter to the market that they're aimed at. I guarantee you'll get tired of the crash bang ride on poor surfaces long before you get fed up of the fact that you can't get the rear out on wet islands.

By gizzmo on 12 October, 2010, 9:43am

aA4 tdie vs 320 efficient dynamics

After all I said I went for the 320 ed, because even though it's £4K more list price with options, BMW are putting it out to company car drivers at £55 per month less on contract lease, that's £1,980 less in lease costs alone, and then the fuel saving adds to that ..
So I wanted the Audi, but went for the BMW to keep within budget.
I must say, it's a really well made, refined smooth car. The engine is deceptively quick, 3rd gear is really swift, launching you to 70 and beyond so quietly that you really don't realise how fast you're going!
I'm sure the Audi's a fine motor too.
But I'm really loving the BMW..

By jahall333 on 4 November, 2010, 4:43pm

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Full Car Reviews

Audi A4

Audi A4 2.0 TDIe SE

Eco-badged model comes with stop-start for the first time
BMW 316d ES

BMW 316d ES

New saloon aims to set the green benchmark for the class.
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

These cars use a range of technologies to help slash emissions and boost economy. From stop-start and brake regeneration to gearshift indicators and aerodynamic tweaks, they’re as clean as compact executive models get.

And that’s not all, as solid build quality and prestige badges both come as standard.

The Audi has a smoother engine, greater interior space and a more stylish cabin, but that isn’t enough to triumph here. Why? Because it can’t match the economy of
the 316d, while lifeless steering and a firm ride leave it trailing the BMW.

If you want an enjoyable saloon that will help to trim your tax bill, both cars are ideal, but the 316d is the one that demands the fewer dynamic compromises. With real world economy in excess of 48mpg, affordable running costs and sharp handling, it wins by a narrow margin.

Ranking
1st:
BMW 316d ES
Economy and efficiency are the name of the game in this test, and the BMW wins on both counts. Add in a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, low running costs and terrific build quality, and the 316d wins. Only its brakes disappoint.

2nd:
Audi A4 2.0 TDIe SE
The TDIe is a welcome addition to the Audi line-up, with a classy and spacious cabin. But in the race for company car sales, it’s beaten to the line by the more frugal BMW – we had to drive the A4 more carefully to optimise its returns.

 
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