2022 Audi A4 vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative design that served as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, with a predominantly black interior accented by aluminum trim and gloss black décor. The high-quality materials and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel contributed to a sophisticated cabin environment, although the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language with its oversized beveled grille and split lighting elements. The front-end styling, initially jarring, could become more appealing over time. The profile retained the familiar 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimal interior with a broad horizontal layout and a faceted crystal-like accent strip. The materials quality was excellent, and the leather seat upholstery added visual interest. The rear seats, especially with the optional Executive Lounge package, offered a premium luxury experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options: the 40 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and the 45 TFSI with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and the Quattro Ultra AWD system. The 45 TFSI accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, solid torque delivery, and excellent braking. The steering was adequate, and the car's structure and suspension provided a rock-solid sensation over various road conditions.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series, specifically the 760i xDrive, featured a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine generating 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It reached 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The V8-powered 760i xDrive delivered powerful and fluid acceleration, with smooth gear changes from the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a slightly stiffer ride quality. The Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for performance-oriented drivers.

The 2022 Audi A4's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort with power adjustments and a thigh-support cushion. The rear seats were comfortable for shorter trips, though legroom was limited. Interior storage was modest, with the centre console bin housing the wireless charging pad. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated automatic doors, which could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were generously padded with numerous power adjustments, while the rear seats offered ample space and comfort, especially with the lounge seating option. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk provided 388 litres of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal effects.

The 2022 Audi A4 was equipped with the MIB3 version of Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI), featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system supported common smartphone functions and included features like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with separate climate controls and useful voice recognition technology.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, featuring a pair of screens behind a curved display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with operation via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. The system was complex, requiring navigation through multiple menus for certain functions. Voice controls helped mitigate this complexity, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System was standard. The optional theatre screen had some usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Audi Pre Sense with collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance package added lane departure warning and a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway driving assistant reduced driver fatigue on long trips. A level 3 automated driving system was planned for future markets.