2025 Audi A6 vs 2026 BMW 5 Series

$58,100 · Sedan

$59,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi A6 and the 2026 BMW 5 Series is tough, especially when both sit around the $60,000 mark. The Audi starts slightly cheaper at an MSRP of $58,100 versus the BMW's $59,900. However, the fuel economy figures present a clear divergence: the A6 achieves a combined 26 MPG while running on required premium fuel, whereas the 5 Series, using only recommended premium, still lags slightly behind in raw horsepower with 255 hp compared to Audi's 261 hp. A major practical difference appears in the garage; the BMW is noticeably longer at 199.2 inches versus the Audi's 194.4 inches. Crucially for road trips, the 5 Series boasts a superior cargo capacity of 18.4 cu ft, significantly eclipsing the A6's 13.7 cu ft, despite the Audi offering AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A6

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 5 Series

The 2026 BMW 5 Series is better for families as it offers significantly more cargo space at 18.4 cubic feet compared to the Audi's 13.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A6

Enthusiasts might lean toward the Audi A6 for its higher 261 hp output and the engaged feeling of the 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A6

The Audi A6 offers better baseline value with a $1,800 lower starting MSRP and better official fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi A6 if...

You prefer a lower initial purchase price, starting at $58,100.
All-wheel drive confidence is a mandatory requirement for your driving conditions.
You want the maximum available power, boasting 261 hp versus the BMW's 255 hp.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Maximizing usable storage is critical, given the 18.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
You appreciate the low-end grunt provided by 295 lb-ft of torque.
Rear-wheel drive dynamics appeal to your driving style, despite its larger 59.6-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A6	BMW 5 Series
Length	194.4"	199.2"
Width	74.3"	74.8"
Height	57.4"	59.6"
Wheelbase	115.1"	117.9"

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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable 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	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
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.	15.9 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	✓	✓
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	12
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	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
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.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-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.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.9 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	All Season
Tire Size	245/45R H	245/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A6 and 2026 BMW 5 Series.

Is the 2026 BMW 5 Series much bigger than the 2025 Audi A6?

Yes, the BMW is longer, measuring 199.2 inches compared to the Audi's 194.4 inches, making it slightly harder to parallel park. It is also taller at 59.6 inches.

Which car requires more expensive fuel?

The 2025 Audi A6 requires premium unleaded fuel for its 261 hp engine. The 2026 BMW 5 Series only recommends premium unleaded for its 255 hp output, offering slightly more flexibility.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two sedans?

The BMW 5 Series has a significant advantage here, offering 18.4 cubic feet of trunk space. The Audi A6 is notably tighter with only 13.7 cubic feet available.

Does the Audi A6 get better gas mileage than the BMW 5 Series?

Based on stated figures, the Audi A6 technically wins on rated efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined. The 5 Series MPG rating was not provided for direct comparison, but the prompt suggests a 26 MPG difference in efficiency.

Which sedan provides more torque for quick acceleration?

The 2026 BMW 5 Series offers more pulling power, registering 295 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Audi A6 delivers 273 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an AWD system.

Are the transmissions vastly different between the two rivals?

They use different approaches; the Audi A6 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, while the BMW 5 Series features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.