2025 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW M2 CS
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 BMW M2 CS boils down to prioritizing spacious, discreet high performance over raw, compact thrills. The RS 7 demands a $30,000 premium over the M2 CS, starting at an MSRP of $128,600 versus the M2 CS’s $98,600. While the Audi boasts superior power with 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, the smaller BMW offers surprising efficiency for a performance machine, achieving a 17 MPG combined rating compared to the RS 7’s 14 MPG city rating. Furthermore, the RS 7's sedan body style provides 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the M2 CS coupe’s 13.8 cu ft. If you need practicality without sacrificing substantial output, the RS 7 is compelling, but the M2 CS offers incredible fun in a much smaller, easier-to-manage package that saves money on the sticker price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi RS 7
The Audi RS 7's sedan body and superior cargo capacity of 24.6 cu ft make it slightly more usable for daily hauling than the tight M2 CS coupe.
2025 Audi RS 7
As a four-door sedan with nearly 11 cubic feet more cargo space, the RS 7 is the only viable option for carrying passengers comfortably.
2025 Audi RS 7
The RS 7 provides significantly more straight-line grunt, offering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque compared to the M2 CS's 523 hp.
2026 BMW M2 CS
The BMW M2 CS saves buyers $30,000 on the initial purchase price while still delivering over 500 horsepower.
Choose the Audi RS 7 if...
- You require the added power output of 621 horsepower for maximum acceleration.
- You need the usability of a four-door sedan body style.
- You value the larger 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity for luggage or gear.
Choose the BMW M2 CS if...
- Your budget is strictly capped below $100,000, as the M2 CS starts at $98,600.
- You prioritize a slightly better fuel economy, as the M2 CS has a higher MPG rating.
- You prefer the nimble handling associated with a smaller coupe, measuring only 180.6 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi RS 7 | BMW M2 CS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.2" | 180.6" |
| Width | 76.8" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.1" | 54.9" |
| Wheelbase | 115.3" | 108.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 621 hp | 523 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| 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) | 14/21 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 270.2/405.3 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 13.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Simulated Suede/Carbon Fiber |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.2 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.1 in. | 35.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 32.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 20 x 10.5 in. |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 275/35R21 | 285/30R |
| 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 7 and 2026 BMW M2 CS.
Is the 2025 Audi RS 7 much bigger to drive around town than the 2026 BMW M2 CS?
Yes, the Audi RS 7 is noticeably larger; it measures 197.2 inches long and 76.8 inches wide, making it a full-sized performance sedan. The BMW M2 CS is significantly more compact at 180.6 inches long, which often translates to easier maneuvering in tight urban environments.
How much more performance does the RS 7 offer over the M2 CS?
The Audi RS 7 brings substantial power, featuring 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This is 98 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque more than the BMW M2 CS's 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque output.
Which car is better for highway cruising regarding fuel stops?
The BMW M2 CS should require fewer stops, as it achieves better fuel economy than the RS 7. While specific highway ratings aren't provided for both, the RS 7's combined MPG of 17 suggests frequent premium fuel fill-ups.
Can the M2 CS legally be used to ferry a small family?
Technically, the M2 CS is a two-door coupe, severely limiting rear passenger access and space. The RS 7 is the clear choice for families, being a four-door sedan with 24.6 cu ft of trunk space versus the M2 CS’s 13.8 cu ft.
Considering both require premium fuel, what is the upfront cost difference?
There is a substantial $30,000 difference in their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The RS 7 starts at $128,600, while the M2 CS enters the market at a more accessible $98,600.
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