2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2026 Audi A6

$51,150 · Coupe

$64,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 4 Series bursts onto the scene as the nimble, driver-focused coupe, immediately thrilling with its accessible $51,150 MSRP and superb 31 MPG combined efficiency, perfect for spirited solo journeys. Conversely, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan announces its dominance with a potent 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, leveraging its standard All-Wheel Drive for commanding performance, despite carrying a significant $12,950 higher starting price. The power gap is immense, with the Audi offering 107 more horsepower than the BMW’s 255 hp. While the A6 leans into luxury and might with its larger footprint (196.8 inches long), the 4 Series rewards efficient driving and promises sharper, traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamics. This comparison pits pure, efficient engagement against brute, sophisticated force.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Audi A6's unspecified but implied lower efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi A6

The 2026 Audi A6 is the better family choice as its sedan body style and greater overall length (196.8 inches) suggest superior passenger and practicality accommodations over the 4 Series coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi A6

The Audi A6 earns the enthusiast nod thanks to its substantial advantage of 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque paired with All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series offers significantly better monetary value, starting $12,950 less than the Audi A6 while still delivering a spirited driving experience.

Choose the BMW 4 Series if...

You prioritize long-term running costs and excellent fuel economy, boasting 31 MPG combined.
You seek the pure handling feel of a traditional rear-wheel drive coupe.
You need to keep the purchase price down, as the $51,150 MSRP undercuts the competition by nearly $13,000.

Choose the Audi A6 if...

Maximum acceleration and power are non-negotiable, with 362 hp available.
You require the all-weather confidence and traction of an All-Wheel Drive system.
You value the comfort and increased interior/exterior space offered by the larger sedan body style.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series	Audi A6
Length	187.9"	196.8"
Width	72.9"	73.8"
Height	54.6"	57.4"
Wheelbase	112.2"	115.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	406 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/558.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	14.5 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Fixed Electrochromatic Glass
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	35.2 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 in.	55.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	245/45R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 BMW 4 Series and 2026 Audi A6.

How does the performance difference between the two vehicles translate to the road?

The Audi A6 boasts 107 more horsepower (362 hp vs 255 hp) and significantly more torque (406 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft), meaning the A6 will accelerate much quicker off the line and feel immensely more powerful during highway passing maneuvers.

Is the fuel economy difference between the 4 Series and A6 substantial?

Yes, the BMW 4 Series is rated at 31 MPG combined, while the Audi A6 is not specified but is generally expected to yield lower efficiency given its higher power output and AWD system. Furthermore, the BMW offers distinct City (28 MPG) and Highway (36 MPG) figures.

Which vehicle offers a more traditional sports car layout?

The 2025 BMW 4 Series is the traditional choice, offered exclusively as a coupe with a focus on Rear Wheel Drive dynamics, whereas the 2026 Audi A6 is a larger, heavier sedan utilizing All-Wheel Drive.

What justifies the $12,950 price discrepancy between the vehicles?

The price difference is primarily justified by the Audi A6's superior power figures (362 hp) and its standard All-Wheel Drive configuration, as well as its larger sedan dimensions compared to the less expensive BMW coupe.