2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series

$79,900 · Hatchback

$52,600 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series is the $27,300 MSRP difference, with the Audi starting at $79,900 against the BMW's $52,600. This price disparity correlates with substantial performance gaps; the RS 5 delivers 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, significantly overpowering the 4 Series' 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Conversely, the BMW offers better fuel economy, though it lacks specific MPG figures in this comparison, while the RS 5 achieves a combined 20 MPG. Dimensionally, the vehicles are close, with the Audi being only 0.4 inches longer. Furthermore, the RS 5 provides superior utility, boasting 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 4 Series’ 15.5 cu ft, justifying the higher cost for buyers prioritizing power and space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series, despite lacking specific MPG figures, is expected to be more efficient and has a significantly lower initial cost for daily driving tasks.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 offers substantially more cargo capacity at 21.8 cu ft compared to the BMW's 15.5 cu ft, making it more practical for ancillary family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 dominates performance metrics, producing 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, an 189 hp advantage over the 4 Series.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series presents a much stronger entry price point at $52,600 versus the Audi's $79,900 MSRP.

Choose the Audi RS 5 if...

You prioritize maximum performance, benefiting from the 444 hp output.
You require the larger utility offered by the 21.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
All-wheel drive performance and superior torque (442 lb-ft) are mandatory requirements.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

The initial investment must remain below $60,000, given the $52,600 MSRP.
You prefer a traditional Coupe body style over the RS 5's Hatchback configuration.
Maximum power output is secondary to a lower base price and RWD handling characteristics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 5	BMW 4 Series
Length	188.3"	187.9"
Width	73.5"	72.9"
Height	55.1"	54.6"
Wheelbase	111.3"	112.2"

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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated 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	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	275.4/382.5 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	15.5 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	—	✓
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	10
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	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓

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	37.8 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.8 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	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	34.5 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	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/35R19	225/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 RS 5 and 2026 BMW 4 Series.

What is the main powertrain difference between the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series?

The Audi RS 5 utilizes a higher-output engine producing 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 BMW 4 Series is rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a significant 189 hp deficit for the BMW.

How much more cargo space does the Audi RS 5 offer?

The Audi RS 5, categorized as a Hatchback, offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is notably more than the BMW 4 Series Coupe, which lists 15.5 cu ft, providing an extra 6.3 cu ft of utility.

Is there a significant difference in physical size between the two vehicles?

The dimensions are very close; the Audi RS 5 is 188.3 inches long, while the BMW 4 Series is 187.9 inches long. Both vehicles share an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and require premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is better for a budget-conscious buyer?

The 2026 BMW 4 Series is the clear value winner due to its $52,600 MSRP, creating a $27,300 savings compared to the $79,900 starting price of the Audi RS 5.

What are the implications of the drivetrain difference (AWD vs. RWD)?

The Audi RS 5 utilizes all-wheel drive (AWD) for potentially superior traction and stability across varied conditions. The BMW 4 Series uses a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, often preferred by driving purists for dynamic handling characteristics.

Does the Audi RS 5 use more fuel than the BMW 4 Series?

Based on the provided data, the Audi RS 5 has a specific combined rating of 20 MPG (18 city/25 highway). While the BMW's specific MPG rating is absent, its lower power output generally implies better fuel economy compared to the performance-focused RS 5.