Audi S5 Avant vs BMW M340i Touring: I’ve lived with both, but which is my favourite?

It’s been a few months since I took delivery of my Audi S5 Avant, and it’s been a great daily driver. It’s fast, comfortable, spacious and surprisingly economical, but this isn’t the first fast estate car I’ve spent time with.

I also lived with a BMW M340i for six months, and I’ve been thinking about which of these two cars I would buy. I’m going to compare their performance, interior, technology and how they drive.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Audi S5 Avant vs BMW M340i Touring: engines and performance

Let’s start under the bonnet. My Audi S5 Avant has a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine with 367hp and 550Nm of torque, and this is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

My old BMW M340i had a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine with 374hp and 500Nm of torque, and it also had four-wheel drive. Unlike the Audi, the BMW had an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

So what does that mean for performance? Well the BMW could manage 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, which is exactly the same as the Audi.

After drag racing both cars though, the BMW completed the standing quarter mile in 12.3 seconds. The Audi took 12.8 seconds, so it’s first blow to the M340i.

Audi S5 Avant vs BMW M340i Touring: interior and technology

I love my Audi S5’s interior. It has red leather seats and dashboard inserts which look great, and it feels really solid as well. I’m not too keen on the shape of the massive screens, which also have large bezels, but the infotainment system is super-responsive and easy to use.

My other half does actually make use of the passenger display as well. I thought it was a bit gimmicky, but she often uses it to turn on her massage seats.

The M340i looks a touch dated by comparison. I had the pre-facelift version with a smaller screen and physical climate control buttons, which I prefer over a touchscreen-based system, but even the latest car with its massive curved display doesn’t look quite as modern as the Audi inside.

That said, my car did have lairy orange seats which brightened things up a bit. I also think the BMW feels higher-quality in places. There’s less shiny black plastic to get covered in fingerprints, and the switchgear feels more nicely damped.

The curved screen in the latest M340i can be a bit confusing at first, but it’s fine once you’re used to it. That said, I do still prefer the Audi’s more modern-looking interior.

Audi S5 Avant vs BMW M340i Touring: how do they drive?

Let’s start with the Audi. I do a lot of motorway miles for work, and the S5 Avant eats them up. The seats are comfortable, it’s quiet at speed and it feels nicely planted on the road. It’s a relaxing car on long journeys.

However, what’s not so relaxing are the driver aids. This car is always binging, bonging and tugging at the wheel. Numerous times it’s tried to pull me back into the path of parked cars when I pull out to go around, and sometimes it just beeps because the sensors are obscured. It’s pretty annoying.

On a twisty road, you can cover ground at a serious pace. The four-wheel drive system offers loads of grip in pretty much all weather conditions, and the gearbox shifts quickly as well. It’s pretty good fun, but it just can’t beat the BMW for grin factor.

There’s something about the BMW’s sharper steering and agile handling that goads you on to behave like a hooligan. The Audi is probably a bit faster through the bends, but the M340i is more enjoyable to drive quickly. The four-wheel drive system is also more rear-biased than the Audi’s, so you can hang the backside out much more easily on track.

It’s not quite as refined on the motorway as the S5, but the assistance systems aren’t as intrusive either. To drive, I prefer the BMW M340i.

Audi S5 Avant vs BMW M340i Touring: prices and deals

The Audi S5 Avant starts from £67,800, but through Carwow you can save an average of £5,400 on one at the time of writing. Leasing prices start from around £715 per month, and you can pick up a used example from 2024 for roughly £55,000.

The BMW is slightly less expensive. Prices start from just over £64,000, and you can save over £10,000 on one through Carwow. Leasing one is slightly more expensive than the Audi though, with the monthly cost being around £800.

A used, pre-facelift car like mine from 2022 can be yours for as little as £35,000, rising to £50,000 if you want the updated version from 2023 onwards.

My final verdict: should you buy the Audi S5 Avant or the BMW M340i Touring?

I do really like my Audi S5 Avant, but for me the BMW M340i Touring is that bit better. It feels sharper to drive, it’s a bit faster and it’s still really easy to live with, plus the bigger savings through Carwow make it even better value for money. If you’re after a fun, fast and practical estate car, I’d recommend the BMW M340i Touring.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Want to see the latest car content first? Add Carwow as a preferred source here. Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos. You can also subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to get the latest news sent straight to your phone.