Since Audi first crossed a coupe with a large hatchback, Brits have flocked to the A5 Sportback four-door coupe in droves. It’s proven such a success, BMW duly launched a rival, called the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which itself has sold well. Now, Audi’s back with an all-new A5 Sportback that’s targeting class honours once again.

For many people, these cars are the ideal compromise. They look svelte and sporty, yet still have enough practicality to make them viable alternatives to the saloons and estates style-conscious buyers eschew. You can even get them both with fuel-sipping 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines combined with four-wheel drive – and that’s exactly what we’re testing here.

Both cars have surprisingly swift engines, the Audi slightly having the edge thanks to its slick-shifting seven-speed automatic – gearchanges happened in a flash, in contrast to the BMW’s notchy six-speed manual. We’d highly recommend the optional BMW eight-speed automatic.

BMWs have a reputation as driver’s cars, borne out here. Its steering has better feel and it seems more eager in corners. The Audi has various suspension settings but none is quite right, and its steering feels like it’s running in treacle. It does, however, cruise more serenely, with a smoother ride – both cars ran 19in wheels but only the BMW transmitted every bump and rut from the road to the occupants.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is ageing inside as well. Quality just isn’t good enough for a premium car: the A5 Sportback is a complete contrast, with beautifully expensive-feeling quality and a minimalist look that is modern and tactile. The driving position is better too, apart from a driver’s seat that doesn’t quite drop low enough.

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is easier to use, but lacks functionality these days. The Audi MMI setup has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the screen is bigger and better looking. Both cars are practical, boasting large and practical boots and rear cabins accommodating enough for adults. The 4 Series has more legroom, the A5 has more headroom, and both are far roomier than their two-door coupe equivalents.

Neither car is particularly cheap. The Audi is the pricier, but has a bit more equipment to offset this. It’s a little dearer on a lease scheme as well, although it’s £14 cheaper per month for private buyers who sign up for a PCP scheme: £446 a month, for those who can stump up a £5k deposit and limit their mileage to 10,000 a year.

The Audi is also cheaper to run, with better fuel economy and retained values showing a 5% uplift over the ageing BMW. Over three years, this works out to be a £1300 advantage for a private buyer – a huge difference. The A5 Sportback will also cost company drivers £700 less in tax over three years.

All told, the Audi has this sewn up. In almost every area, it has the better of the BMW. Only for those who like a coupe that’s a true driver’s car may err towards the otherwise ageing 4 Series Gran Coupe: otherwise, the A5 Sportback is a compete no-brainer.

Specifications: Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI 190 quattro Sport S tronic (4 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel

List price £38,005

Target price £35,952

Power 187bhp @ 3800-4200rpm

Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-3000rpm

​0-60mph 7.5sec

Top speed 146mph

​Gov't fuel economy 62.8mpg

CO2 emissions 117g/km

Specifications: BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 420d xDrive Sport auto (3 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel

List price £37,335

Target price £34,601

Power 187bhp @ 4000rpm

Torque 295b ft @ 1750-2500rpm

​0-60mph 7.9sec

Top speed 146mph

Gov't fuel economy 58.9mpg

CO2 emissions 127g/km