2025 BMW 5 Series vs 2026 Audi A6

$58,700 · Sedan

$64,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW 5 Series and the 2026 Audi A6 is the power output, with the Audi boasting 362 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp—a difference of 107 horsepower. The price differential is also notable, standing at $5,400, with the A6 starting at $64,100 versus the 5 Series' $58,700 MSRP. However, the BMW offers superior documented fuel economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG, whereas the Audi's MPG rating is unlisted in this comparison dataset. Size differences are minimal, though the BMW is slightly longer at 199.2 inches and offers 18.4 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Audi's 13.5 cu ft. Performance seekers favor the A6's 406 lb-ft of torque, while commuters will appreciate the 5 Series' efficiency and lower entry cost for rear-wheel drive configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $58,700 and superior fuel economy metrics, including 28 MPG city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 5 Series

Car1 is the winner for families because it offers 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Audi A6's 13.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi A6

The 2026 Audi A6 appeals more to enthusiasts, delivering 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the BMW's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series provides better immediate value with a $5,400 lower starting price while still delivering respectable performance specifications.

Choose the BMW 5 Series if...

You prioritize efficiency, demonstrated by the 31 combined MPG rating.
You require maximum storage space, as 18.4 cu ft easily surpasses the competitor.
Your budget constraint mandates a lower initial outlay, starting $5,400 cheaper at $58,700.

Choose the Audi A6 if...

Maximum acceleration and passing power are critical, evidenced by 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the enhanced traction provided by the All-Wheel Drive system over the BMW's RWD.
You prefer a slightly more compact exterior footprint, with the A6 measuring 196.8 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 5 Series	Audi A6
Length	199.2"	196.8"
Width	74.8"	73.8"
Height	59.6"	57.4"
Wheelbase	117.9"	115.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
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	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

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)	28/35 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	445.2/556.5 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	—
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	12	—
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Fixed Electrochromatic Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.8 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-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	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.9 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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/45R19	245/45R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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.
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 5 Series and 2026 Audi A6.

Which vehicle has the better power output for performance driving?

The 2026 Audi A6 is the clear performance leader, generating 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This compares favorably against the 2025 BMW 5 Series, which produces only 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the two sedans?

The BMW 5 Series offers considerably more usable space with 18.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Audi A6 trails significantly in this metric, offering only 13.5 cubic feet.

What is the primary factor affecting the cost difference between these models?

The primary factor is the base MSRP, with the Audi A6 starting $5,400 higher at $64,100 compared to the BMW 5 Series' $58,700 entry price. Additional factors include the A6's standard All-Wheel Drive configuration versus the BMW's Rear-Wheel Drive base setup.

Is the fuel efficiency significantly different based on the provided data?

Based only on the provided data, the 2025 BMW 5 Series has a documented 31 combined MPG, whereas the 2026 Audi A6's specific MPG figures are not listed, although the BMW's requirement for premium fuel is shared by both.

What differentiates the drivetrain layouts?

The 2025 BMW 5 Series uses a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Audi A6 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Are there notable differences in exterior dimensions?

Yes, the 2025 BMW 5 Series is slightly longer at 199.2 inches compared to the A6's 196.8 inches, and it is also taller at 59.6 inches versus the Audi's 57.4 inches.