2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2025 BMW 5 Series

$79,900 · Hatchback

$58,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between blistering performance and sensible, everyday luxury often pits two great rivals against each other. If you are cross-shopping the 2025 Audi RS 5 against the 2025 BMW 5 Series, you are essentially choosing between a focused sports machine and a sophisticated cruiser. The performance gap is substantial: the RS 5 delivers a hefty 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the 5 Series' 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, this power comes at a cost, both upfront with a $21,200 higher MSRP ($79,900 vs $58,700) and at the pump, where the RS 5 manages only 20 combined MPG compared to the 5 Series' excellent 31 combined MPG. Furthermore, the RS 5 is slightly smaller and less upright, boasting a length of 188.3 inches versus the 5 Series' 199.2 inches, impacting interior space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the RS 5's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series offers a more traditional and roomier profile with greater height (59.6 inches) and slightly more passenger-friendly dimensions than the sportier Audi RS 5 hatchback.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 is engineered for driving thrills, boasting 189 more horsepower and significantly more torque (442 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft).

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series provides vastly better value, costing $21,200 less while offering drastically better fuel efficiency (11 MPG advantage).

Choose the Audi RS 5 if...

You prioritize raw acceleration and performance, needing the 444 hp output of the RS 5.
You prefer the versatility and accessibility of the RS 5's hatchback body style.
You don't mind spending an extra $21,200 upfront for superior power delivery and AWD handling.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

Minimizing fuel stops is crucial, leveraging the 5 Series' 35 highway MPG rating.
Keeping the initial purchase price low is a priority, saving $21,200 over the Audi.
You need a slightly larger footprint, as the 5 Series is nearly 11 inches longer than the RS 5.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 5	BMW 5 Series
Length	188.3"	199.2"
Width	73.5"	74.8"
Height	55.1"	59.6"
Wheelbase	111.3"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.9 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	444 hp @ 6700 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	275.4/382.5 mi.	445.2/556.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	755W	205W
Speaker System	19	12
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
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
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	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	265/35R19	245/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

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 RS 5 and 2025 BMW 5 Series.

How much more power does the Audi RS 5 actually have?

The 2025 Audi RS 5 is significantly more potent, offering 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial 189 hp increase over the BMW 5 Series' 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Is the massive difference in fuel economy worth noting for daily driving?

Absolutely; the 5 Series achieves 31 combined MPG, while the RS 5 only manages 20 combined MPG, meaning the BMW will save you a significant amount of money annually, especially given both require premium fuel.

Which car is easier to live with on a daily basis regarding size and practicality?

The BMW 5 Series is generally easier for daily duties; it is longer at 199.2 inches and taller at 59.6 inches, suggesting more interior comfort, although the RS 5's hatchback configuration offers slightly more protected cargo space (21.8 cu ft vs 18.4 cu ft).

Why is the Audi RS 5 so much more expensive?

The $79,900 MSRP for the RS 5 reflects its status as a dedicated, high-performance S/RS model, whereas the standard 5 Series starts much lower at $58,700, focusing more on luxury commuting rather than track capability.

Do both cars use the same type of transmission?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2025 BMW 5 Series utilize a 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering similar foundational transmission architecture.

What is the main difference in their drive layout?

The Audi RS 5 features standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced traction in varied conditions, while the BMW 5 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), which enthusiasts often prefer for traditional handling characteristics.