2025 Audi S7 vs 2026 BMW M2 CS
Comparison Overview
Stuck between choosing refined, practical luxury and raw, compact performance? That's the essential dilemma when pitting the 2025 Audi S7 against the new 2026 BMW M2 CS. The Audi S7 offers a significantly more balanced proposition, boasting a combined 22 MPG fuel economy compared to the M2 CS's undisclosed but likely lower efficiency, and provides a massive 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the BMW's limited 13.8 cubic feet. While the M2 CS flexes superior muscle with 523 hp compared to the S7's 444 hp, that performance comes at a steep $12,900 price premium, pushing the BMW to an MSRP of $98,600. The S7's longer 196.0-inch body hints at greater interior room, making it the pragmatic choice, whereas the M2 CS commits fully to being a high-output, two-door thrill machine.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S7
The Audi S7 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy (22 combined MPG) and the practicality of its four-door sedan layout.
2025 Audi S7
The S7 is the only realistic family choice, offering 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space, vastly exceeding the M2 CS's 13.8 cubic feet.
2026 BMW M2 CS
The M2 CS appeals more to driving purists with its higher output of 523 horsepower and dedicated rear-wheel-drive focus.
2025 Audi S7
The Audi S7 offers significantly more practicality and capability for $12,900 less than the M2 CS.
Choose the Audi S7 if...
- You prioritize lower running costs, as the S7 delivers 22 combined MPG.
- You need usable rear seats and significant storage, benefiting from the 24.6 cu ft trunk.
- You prefer all-weather confidence provided by the standard all-wheel drive system.
Choose the BMW M2 CS if...
- You absolutely require maximum output, as the M2 CS boasts 523 hp.
- You enjoy the tactile feedback of a smaller, RWD coupe platform (180.6 inches long).
- The higher MSRP of $98,600 is not a barrier to entry for focused track capability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S7 | BMW M2 CS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.0" | 180.6" |
| Width | 75.1" | 74.3" |
| Height | 55.8" | 54.9" |
| Wheelbase | 115.3" | 108.1" |
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 Fixed 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 |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.9 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 444 hp @ 5900 rpm | 523 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm | 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| 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 |
| Rear Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | 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. | 13.7 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 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 |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Steering Wheel Material | โ | Simulated Suede/Carbon Fiber |
| 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 | โ |
| Speaker System | 10 | โ |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | โ |
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | โ | Harman/Kardon |
| Surround Audio | โ | Discrete |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
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. | โ |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | โ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
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. | โ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 20 x 10.5 in. |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 255/35R21 | 285/30R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S7 and 2026 BMW M2 CS.
Is the 2026 BMW M2 CS much faster in acceleration than the 2025 Audi S7?
While the M2 CS has 79 more horsepower (523 hp vs. 444 hp), performance times are not provided. However, the lighter RWD coupe design of the M2 CS suggests it will likely be quicker off the line in ideal conditions compared to the slightly heavier S7 sedan.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two models?
There is a substantial difference; the Audi S7 offers 24.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which is excellent for a performance sedan. The BMW M2 CS, being a coupe, offers significantly less at only 13.8 cubic feet, making it tough for weekend trips or larger grocery runs.
Which vehicle will cost me more to fuel regularly?
The Audi S7 is the clear winner for efficiency, reporting 22 combined MPG. Since the BMW M2 CS has significantly less fuel economy data available, the S7's documented 22 MPG suggests lower long-term fuel expenditure, especially given the S7 takes recommended premium vs. the M2 CS's required premium.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain setup?
The Audi S7 comes equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), prioritizing grip and stability in various conditions. Conversely, the BMW M2 CS uses a pure rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, which is often favored by enthusiasts seeking a more traditional, challenging driving dynamic.
How big of a price difference should I expect?
The 2026 BMW M2 CS carries a premium price tag of $98,600, making it $12,900 more expensive than the 2025 Audi S7's starting MSRP of $85,700.
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