2025 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW M4

$128,600 · Sedan

$81,300 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 7 enters the arena as the brutal luxury powerhouse, boasting a monstrous 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo V8, coupled with the security of its Quattro all-wheel drive system. Contrast this with the thrillingly focused 2026 BMW M4, which grounds the driver with a tactile 6-speed manual transmission feeding power exclusively to the rear wheels, delivering an engaging 473 horsepower experience. The RS 7 commands a significant presence at $128,600, substantially higher than the M4's $81,300 entry point. While the Audi offers better efficiency at 17 MPG combined versus the M4's unknown efficiency (assuming worse due to the manual/RWD setup, although only the Audi's MPG is listed), the power gap is substantial: the RS 7 packs 148 more horsepower. This comparison pits raw, high-speed German sedan domination against pure, connected coupe engagement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 offers superior practicality with a much larger 24.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity and standard AWD for varying conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 7

As a sedan with more space and presumably easier rear access than the M4 coupe, the Audi is inherently better suited for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M4

The purist driving experience offered by the 2026 BMW M4's mandatory 6-speed manual transmission trumps the RS 7's automatic for engagement.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M4

The BMW M4 costs $47,300 less while still delivering substantial performance in a dedicated coupe body style.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You demand ballistic acceleration, evidenced by the RS 7's commanding 621 horsepower.
You require the all-weather confidence and stability provided by its all-wheel drive system.
Your priority is cargo utility, as the RS 7 offers 24.6 cu ft compared to the M4's 15.5 cu ft.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You prioritize driver connection above all else and specifically want a 6-speed manual transmission.
You want an incredibly potent machine while saving $47,300 off the sticker price.
You prefer the intimacy and traditional sports car feel of a dedicated two-door coupe body.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW M4
Length	197.2"	189.1"
Width	76.8"	74.3"
Height	56.1"	55.0"
Wheelbase	115.3"	112.5"

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	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed 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	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	406 lb-ft @ 2650 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	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)	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.	15.6 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	—	✓
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
Stereo Power	—	464W
Speaker System	—	16
Subwoofer Count	—	2

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	37.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-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
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	35.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	51.0 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	19 x 10.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	275/35R21	285/35R Z
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.
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 7 and 2026 BMW M4.

How much more powerful is the Audi RS 7 than the BMW M4?

The 2025 Audi RS 7 holds a massive advantage in raw output, producing 621 horsepower, which is 148 horsepower more than the 2026 BMW M4's 473 horsepower rating. This difference translates directly to superior straight-line speed capability in the Audi.

Which car offers a better long-term ownership cost concerning fuel economy?

The Audi RS 7 is the more efficient vehicle according to the data provided, achieving a combined 17 MPG; while the M4's MPG is unlisted, the significant 148 hp deficit suggests the Audi is designed for better overall fuel management for its power level.

Is the RS 7 practical enough to replace a family vehicle?

Yes, the RS 7 acts as a true performance sedan, offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the M4 coupe's 15.5 cu ft. Combined with standard AWD, it offers better year-round utility.

Why would an enthusiast choose the M4 despite the huge power difference?

Enthusiasts often choose the M4 because of its visceral connection to the road, primarily due to its rear-wheel-drive setup and standard 6-speed manual transmission, offering more driver involvement than the RS 7's automatic transmission.

What is the major price difference between these two high-performance machines?

The difference in starting MSRP is significant, with the 2025 Audi RS 7 beginning at $128,600 and the 2026 BMW M4 starting at $81,300. This nearly $47,300 gap makes the M4 a far more accessible performance purchase.

How do the physical dimensions affect the driving experience?

The Audi RS 7 is longer at 197.2 inches, lending stability at high speeds, whereas the slightly shorter and narrower M4 (189.1 inches long) might feel more nimble and agile when navigating tight corners.