2025 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW M5

$128,600 · Sedan

$121,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 BMW M5 and the 2025 Audi RS 7 lies in performance metrics, with the BMW boasting an additional 96 horsepower (717 hp vs. 621 hp) and 111 lb-ft more torque (738 lb-ft vs. 627 lb-ft). Conversely, the Audi carries a lower entry cost, priced at $128,600 compared to the M5's $121,900, resulting in a $6,700 premium for the Audi. Fuel economy reveals the M5's hybrid nature, achieving a 14 MPG combined rating supported by a 29-mile electric range, whereas the RS 7 lags significantly at 17 MPG combined on premium fuel alone. In terms of physical footprint, the M5 is bulkier, measuring 200.6 inches long and 59.4 inches high, dwarfing the RS 7’s 197.2-inch length and 56.1-inch height. Finally, the Audi offers substantially more practical space with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the M5's 16.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 is the superior commuter due to its 29 miles of electric range, allowing for zero-emission local travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 7

The 2025 Audi RS 7 provides significantly better utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the M5's 16.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 delivers vastly superior acceleration potential with 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 offers 96 more horsepower for a $6,700 lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You prioritize maximum usable storage space, evidenced by its 24.6 cu ft cargo capacity versus the M5's 16.5 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly lower initial purchase price relative to its performance tier, landing at $128,600.
You require a conventional powertrain experience without the added complexity of a plug-in hybrid system.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

Maximum outright power is the priority, as the M5 delivers 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Your daily commute allows utilization of the 29 miles of all-electric range for reduced fuel dependency.
You prefer a vehicle with a larger physical stance, as the M5 is both longer (200.6 inches) and taller (59.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW M5
Length	197.2"	200.6"
Width	76.8"	77.6"
Height	56.1"	59.4"
Wheelbase	115.3"	118.3"

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	3
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 Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	621 hp	717 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
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	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	12/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 mi.	190.8/302.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	15.9 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	41/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	29 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	55
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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	—	Bowers & Wilkins
Stereo Power	—	655W
Speaker System	—	18

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-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.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	275/35R21	295/35R21
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 M5.

How does the efficiency difference affect long-term running costs?

The 2026 BMW M5’s hybrid nature yields a 14 MPG combined rating, supplemented by 29 miles of electric range, making it inherently more efficient than the 2025 Audi RS 7's 17 MPG combined, which exclusively relies on premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers more interior/storage space for practicality?

The Audi RS 7 is demonstrably more practical regarding storage, offering 24.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the BMW M5’s 16.5 cubic feet.

Is the significant power advantage of the M5 noticeable in real-world driving?

Yes, the M5’s 96 horsepower and 111 lb-ft torque advantage (717 hp/738 lb-ft) strongly suggests superior straight-line performance metrics compared to the 621 hp/627 lb-ft generated by the RS 7.

What is the size difference between the two performance sedans?

The M5 is slightly larger overall, being 3.4 inches longer (200.6 vs. 197.2 inches) and 3.3 inches taller (59.4 vs. 56.1 inches) than the RS 7, though both feature standard all-wheel drive.

Does the lower MSRP of the BMW M5 equate to better overall value?

Based purely on published figures, the M5 appears to offer better value, costing $6,700 less while delivering substantially higher peak horsepower and torque figures.