2025 Audi S6 vs 2026 BMW 4 Series
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the muscular sophistication of the 2025 Audi S6 and the nimble allure of the 2026 BMW 4 Series often boils down to power versus practicality. If sheer performance is your goal, the Audi S6 delivers a commanding 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, blowing past the BMW's 255 hp output. However, this power comes at a cost; the Audi starts at a hefty $75,900, a significant $23,300 more than the 4 Series' $52,600 MSRP. Daily driving costs also stack up, as the Audi manages only 22 combined MPG compared to the BMW's superior (though not explicitly stated, implied better efficiency by horsepower difference) fuel economy. While the Audi is longer at 195.0 inches, the 4 Series Coupe surprisingly offers slightly more cargo space at 15.5 cu ft versus the S6's 13.7 cu ft, making the choice a tight balance between prestige performance and accessible, everyday driving enjoyment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW 4 Series
The 2026 BMW 4 Series, being smaller and likely more fuel-efficient, is easier to manage in stop-and-go city traffic.
2025 Audi S6
As a four-door sedan, the 2025 Audi S6 inherently offers better access and more practical space for passengers than the two-door 4 Series Coupe.
2025 Audi S6
The massive horsepower advantage of 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque in the Audi S6 provides vastly superior straight-line performance.
2026 BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series costs $23,300 less, making its performance quotient a much better financial deal than the expensive Audi S6.
Choose the Audi S6 if...
- You absolutely require the robust performance delivered by 444 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need the practical entry and exit of a four-door sedan for regular passengers.
- The prestige and superior interior refinement associated with the Audi S6 are a top priority, regardless of the $75,900 starting price.
Choose the BMW 4 Series if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $55,000 is important, as the 4 Series starts $23,300 cheaper.
- You prefer the sporty handling characteristics associated with a rear-wheel-drive coupe configuration.
- You prioritize a slightly larger cargo area, as the 4 Series offers 15.5 cu ft versus the S6's 13.7 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S6 | BMW 4 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.0" | 187.9" |
| Width | 74.3" | 72.9" |
| Height | 56.9" | 54.6" |
| Wheelbase | 115.3" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.9 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 444 hp | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | โ |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | โ |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 366.7/521.1 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 15.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear and Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 205W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Subwoofer Count | โ | 2 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 2-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | โ |
| Tire Size | 255/35R21 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | โ | โ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S6 and 2026 BMW 4 Series.
How much faster is the Audi S6 compared to the BMW 4 Series?
The Audi S6 has a substantial lead in power, boasting 444 horsepower versus the BMW 4 Series' 255 horsepower, giving it nearly 189 more horsepower for quicker acceleration.
Which car is the better choice for saving money on fuel?
While exact MPG figures for the 4 Series aren't listed, the Audi S6 returns a modest 22 combined MPG, meaning the lighter, less powerful BMW will almost certainly offer better long-term fuel economy.
Is the 2025 Audi S6 much bigger than the 2026 BMW 4 Series?
Yes, the Audi S6 is notably larger, measuring 195.0 inches in length compared to the 4 Series' 187.9 inches, though the BMW still manages to pack in slightly more cargo volume at 15.5 cu ft.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Audi S6 and the 2026 BMW 4 Series mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel.
What is the main drivetrain difference between these two cars?
The Audi S6 comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the BMW 4 Series is rear-wheel drive (RWD) also utilizing an 8-speed automatic.
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