2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2025 BMW M4

$79,900 · Hatchback

$79,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2025 BMW M4 is their horsepower output, with the M4 leading by 29 hp, producing 473 hp compared to the RS 5's 444 hp. However, the RS 5 counters this performance lead with superior practicality and fuel efficiency. The Audi offers substantially more cargo volume at 21.8 cu ft versus the M4's restrictive 12 cu ft, and achieves a 20 MPG combined rating, one MPG better than the M4's 19 MPG combined rating. Both vehicles carry similar starting MSRPs around $80,000. While the M4 compensates with higher torque at 406 lb-ft compared to the RS 5's 442 lb-ft, the Audi's standard all-wheel drive and more efficient 8-speed automatic transmission make it a slightly more versatile daily driver against the RWD, manual-equipped BMW.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 wins for commuters due to its superior 20 MPG combined fuel economy and practical hatchback body style offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo space.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 5

The RS 5 is the clear choice for families, offering nearly double the utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the M4's 12 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4

The BMW M4 appeals more to driving purists by delivering 473 hp and featuring a more engaging 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW M4

The BMW M4 provides 29 more horsepower (473 hp vs. 444 hp) for a virtually identical MSRP of $79,700.

Choose the Audi RS 5 if...

Maximum cargo volume is a necessity, as the RS 5 provides 21.8 cu ft versus the M4's 12 cu ft.
Better fuel economy is desired, with the RS 5 achieving 20 MPG combined versus 19 MPG.
Traction in various conditions is prioritized due to the standard all-wheel drive system.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

The highest peak horsepower (473 hp) is the main performance goal.
A traditional 6-speed manual transmission experience is non-negotiable.
You prefer a rear-wheel drive layout and a lower overall vehicle height of 54.8 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 5	BMW M4
Length	188.3"	189.1"
Width	73.5"	74.3"
Height	55.1"	54.8"
Wheelbase	111.3"	112.5"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.9 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	444 hp @ 6700 rpm	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	16/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	275.4/382.5 mi.	249.6/358.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	15.6 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	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
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	464W
Speaker System	19	16
Surround Audio	Discrete	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
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	35.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	19 x 10.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	265/35R19	285/35R Z
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 M4.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain and its impact?

The Audi RS 5 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, prioritizing traction and ease of use. Conversely, the BMW M4 features rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, optimizing driver engagement and control.

How significantly does the cargo capacity vary?

The difference is substantial: the RS 5 hatchback offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, making it highly practical. The M4 coupe is limited to just 12 cu ft, severely restricting its utility for hauling luggage or larger items.

Which car offers better fuel efficiency for commuting?

The Audi RS 5 has a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 20 MPG combined (18 city/25 highway). The BMW M4 trails marginally at 19 MPG combined (16 city/23 highway), partially due to its RWD configuration and manual gearbox.

Is the performance gap between the two engines significant?

Yes, the BMW M4 has 29 more horsepower, boasting 473 hp compared to the RS 5's 444 hp. However, the Audi counters with higher torque output at 442 lb-ft versus the M4's 406 lb-ft.

Are the MSRPs comparable for these two vehicles?

Yes, the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices are very close. The BMW M4 is listed at $79,700, while the Audi RS 5 has an MSRP of $79,900, placing them in direct financial competition.