2025 Audi A6 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series

$58,100 · Sedan

$52,600 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A6 excites with its refined AWD grip and slightly higher output at 261 hp, embodying mature, technological luxury in its 194.4-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 BMW 4 Series coupe grabs attention with its sporty RWD bias and superior torque punch of 295 lb-ft, packaged in a tauter, lower profile (54.6 inches high). While the A6 offers a respectable 26 MPG combined, the difference in utility is stark; the BMW boasts 15.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi’s 13.7 cu ft. However, the Audi commands a premium, asking $58,100 against the BMW's $52,600 entry price, a difference of $5,500 that must be weighed against the Audi's 7-speed automated manual versus the BMW's 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A6

The Audi A6 wins for commuters due to its marginally better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and standard all-wheel drive security.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers a slightly more accommodating trunk volume of 15.5 cu ft, making it marginally better for family errands despite its coupe body style.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series appeals more to driving purists with its rear-wheel-drive setup and greater torque output of 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The 2026 BMW 4 Series is the value winner, priced $5,500 lower than the Audi A6 while offering nearly comparable base horsepower.

Choose the Audi A6 if...

You prioritize the stability and grip provided by the standard all-wheel-drive system.
You require the slightly higher base output of 261 horsepower for highway merging.
You prefer the sedan body style, offering easier ingress/egress than the 4 Series coupe.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

Your driving excitement comes from a rear-wheel-drive platform with 295 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save $5,500 upfront, as the MSRP starts at $52,600.
You need marginally more practical storage space, boasting 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A6	BMW 4 Series
Length	194.4"	187.9"
Width	74.3"	72.9"
Height	57.4"	54.6"
Wheelbase	115.1"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	—
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp @ 5000 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/31 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	463.2/598.3 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	15.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	205W
Speaker System	10	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/45R H	225/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A6 and 2026 BMW 4 Series.

How does the drivetrain difference affect daily driving between the two models?

The 2025 Audi A6 uses all-wheel drive with a 7-speed automated manual, offering enhanced traction in poor weather conditions. In contrast, the 2026 BMW 4 Series utilizes a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup paired with an 8-speed automatic, prioritizing dynamic balance and enthusiast handling feel.

Is the $5,500 price difference justified by the Audi's extra horsepower?

The Audi A6 lists at $58,100 with 261 hp, while the BMW 4 Series is $5,500 less at $52,600 but produces 255 hp, meaning you pay a premium for only 6 extra horsepower in the Audi.

Which car is more fuel-efficient for long commutes?

While both require premium fuel, the 2025 Audi A6 achieves 26 MPG combined (24 City/31 Highway). Specific MPG ratings for the 2026 BMW 4 Series were not provided, making direct highway comparison difficult, though the A6 is slightly more efficient overall.

Which vehicle offers superior trunk space for shopping trips?

The BMW 4 Series coupe provides slightly more usable space, offering 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Audi A6 sedan accommodates 13.7 cubic feet, making the BMW the nominal winner in pure volume.

Are there significant differences in vehicle size that impact parking?

Yes, the Audi A6 is noticeably larger, measuring 194.4 inches long and 57.4 inches high. The BMW 4 Series is considerably more compact at 187.9 inches long and 54.6 inches high, potentially easing maneuvers in tight parking structures.

Do these vehicles handle their power delivery similarly?

No; the Audi uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission to manage its 273 lb-ft of torque, whereas the BMW pairs its 295 lb-ft of torque with a highly responsive 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.