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​Despite increasing competition from SUVs and crossovers, luxury sedans are still very popular with automotive buyers. The reasons are fairly obvious, as few other car types can blend comfort, elegance, performance, and driving pleasure as seamlessly as a high-end sedan. The BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 are two worthy representatives of sedans that tick all these boxes. These legendary models have constantly improved over the years, with the 2024 versions being the most recent. Here's how the 2024 BMW 330i and the 2024 Audi A4's base Premium trim compare in key categories.
Standard Features
Although the 2024 BMW 330i is the base 3 Series, you wouldn't know it by looking at its list of features. It comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a gorgeous sunroof, power-folding and heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and LED headlights. On the inside, the three-zone automatic climate control lets everyone inside set their preferred temperature, while the power-adjustable sport front seats are easy to configure regardless of passenger size and body type. It's also equipped with elegant-looking synthetic leather upholstery.
The 2024 Audi A4's standard trim, called Premium, also comes with many comfort-oriented features. Some that you find on both vehicles are the three-zone climate control, the sunroof, and the rain-sensing windshield wipers. It comes with smaller 17-inch wheels and regular seats, though. If you want 18-inch wheels and sport front seats, you can only find them on higher trims.
Infotainment Tech Features
Infotainment features are essential for virtually any modern vehicle, and this includes luxury sedans. The 2024 BMW 330i is equipped with a 12.3-inch curved driver information display that you can configure to show the info you find most relevant. It also comes with a huge 14.9-inch touchscreen interface that you can seamlessly connect to your smartphone through wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features are a cloud-based navigation system and a 10-speaker audio system.
Although the Audi A4 is pretty well-equipped in this department, its infotainment tech features are generally inferior to the BMW's. Its 10.1-inch touchscreen interface is larger than most other standard displays but almost 5 inches smaller than the one on the 330i. Also, while Apple users can still connect their devices wirelessly, Android Auto connectivity is only available through a wire.
Performance and Driving Pleasure
Premium features are essential for a luxury sedan but drivers also usually want fast cars that are fun to drive.
BMW's brand reputation was built on making fun and highly performant vehicles, so it's no surprise that the 2024 BMW 330i delivers in these categories. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine can produce up to 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to push it to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in only 5.6 seconds, a remarkable time for such an elegant vehicle. It's also incredibly fun to drive, mostly due to its instantly responsive braking and acceleration, as well as its precise steering. The well-designed sport seats contribute to the overall experience.
While the standard 2024 Audi A4 delivers above-average performance for a sedan, it doesn't even come close to the 330i. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can only deliver up to 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That's over 50 horsepower less than the BMW's. It takes almost a second more for the A4 to go from zero to 60, compared to the BMW 330i. It's also not even remotely as fun to drive as the BMW. Its steering, while fairly precise and effective, does a poor job of making you feel connected to the vehicle and the road.
Interior Comfort
The 2024 BMW 330i's cabin is exceptionally comfortable and well-designed. The suspension manages to find the ideal balance between performance and comfort, delivering a smooth ride even on bumpy roads, while the sound insulation system keeps the cabin quiet even at high speeds. Although its cabin is comfortable for everyone inside, it's obvious that it was designed with the driver in mind. The driving position is ideal, while the controls are intuitive and easy to use. It's also easy to get in and out regardless of passenger size, due to its large and wide-opening doors.
The 2024 Audi A4's cabin is also spacious and comfortable. The ride is a little stiff but does a good job of canceling out most minor road bumps. The sound insulation is also adequate, although there's a bit too much road and wind noise at higher speeds. There's plenty of interior space for passengers of all sizes, and the seats manage to stay comfortable even on longer trips.
Safety Features
Performance, technology, and comfort are certainly essential for a high-end vehicle but safety is also a top priority, for both drivers and carmakers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has awarded both the 2024 BMW 3 Series and the 2024 Audi A4 maximum five-star safety ratings. Both vehicles also come with advanced driver aids that help the driver notice any potential situation before it materializes. Some that you can find on both vehicles are:
- Forward collision mitigation with automatic braking: It uses sensors to detect an imminent frontal collision with another vehicle or an object. It also applies the brakes automatically in certain scenarios.
- Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance: It warns the driver if the vehicle starts drifting out of its lane without the turn signal being on. It also makes small steering corrections to take it back.
Experience the 2024 BMW 330i at Ciocca BMW
Both the 2024 BMW 330i and the 2024 Audi A4 are standout performers in the small luxury sedan category. While both are good choices for sedan lovers, the BMW arguably offers more. It comes with better standard features, delivers superior performance, and it's more fun to drive. If you'd like to see it for yourself and take it for a test drive, you can do it here at Ciocca BMW. Our team will be here for you to answer all your questions. Contact us today to schedule your test drive.