2025 BMW M4 CS vs 2026 Audi RS 7
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the razor-sharp focus of the 2025 BMW M4 CS and the immense, muscular practicality of the 2026 Audi RS 7 presents a classic performance dilemma: handling purity versus brute-force space. The Audi RS 7 carries a higher initial investment at $132,700 compared to the M4 CS's $123,500 price tag, but it compensates with a staggering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the M4 CS's 543 hp. While both utilize AWD and an 8-speed automatic, the M4 CS aims for agility with its smaller dimensions (189.0 inches long) and slightly better efficiency (18 combined MPG). However, if utility is a concern, the RS 7 offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 24.6 cu ft versus the BMW's 12 cu ft. Ultimately, buyers must decide if the BMW's track-ready dynamics justify foregoing the Audi's significant power and size advantages.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW M4 CS
The BMW M4 CS is slightly more efficient, achieving 18 combined MPG compared to the RS 7's 16 combined MPG, making daily driving marginally cheaper.
2026 Audi RS 7
The Audi RS 7 wins hands-down for families due to its substantial 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is more than double the M4 CS's 12 cu ft.
2026 Audi RS 7
The Audi RS 7 offers substantially more outright performance with 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, creating a more dominating presence on spirited drives.
2025 BMW M4 CS
The BMW M4 CS offers excellent performance metrics for $9,200 less than the starting price of the Audi RS 7.
Choose the BMW M4 CS if...
- You prioritize a lower entry price, saving $9,200 upfront compared to the RS 7.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle, given the M4 CS is 8.2 inches shorter in length.
- You want marginally better fuel economy, scoring 18 combined MPG versus the Audi's 16 combined MPG.
Choose the Audi RS 7 if...
- You require serious hauling capacity, as the RS 7 provides 24.6 cu ft of trunk space.
- Absolute straight-line speed is paramount, thanks to the RS 7's 621 horsepower advantage.
- You prefer the increased cabin space inherent in the sedan body style over the coupe format.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M4 CS | Audi RS 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.0" | 197.2" |
| Width | 75.5" | 76.8" |
| Height | 55.1" | 56.1" |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 115.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front 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 |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 543 hp @ 6250 rpm | 621 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm | 627 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 16/23 MPG | 14/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 249.6/358.8 mi. | 270.2/405.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control 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 |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Simulated Suede/Carbon Fiber | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | 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 |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Harman/Kardon | โ |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Premium Brand Speakers | โ | Bang & Olufsen |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Moonroof Type | โ | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Head Room | โ | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | โ | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | โ | 57.2 in. |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Room | โ | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | โ | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | โ | 55.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 10.5 in. | 21 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/30R | 275/35R21 |
| Wheel Material | โ | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW M4 CS and 2026 Audi RS 7.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Audi RS 7 than the 2025 BMW M4 CS?
The Audi RS 7 boasts significantly more power, delivering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This is a clear advantage over the BMW M4 CS's output of 543 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
Is the BMW M4 CS a more fuel-efficient choice for my daily commute?
Yes, the M4 CS is slightly better on gas, reporting a combined MPG of 18 (16 city/23 highway). The Audi RS 7 trails slightly with an overall combined rating of 16 MPG (14 city/21 highway).
Which car is better suited for carrying passengers and luggage?
The 2026 Audi RS 7 is the clear winner here because it is a sedan offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 BMW M4 CS, being a coupe, only offers 12 cu ft, making the Audi nearly twice as practical.
What is the price difference between these two high-performance vehicles?
The 2026 Audi RS 7 has a higher MSRP of $132,700, while the 2025 BMW M4 CS comes in at $123,500, resulting in a $9,200 cost gap between the two competitors.
Are there differences in their overall size that might affect parking?
The BMW M4 CS is physically smaller, measuring 189.0 inches in length and 75.5 inches in width. The RS 7 is longer at 197.2 inches and wider at 76.8 inches, which could make it slightly trickier in tight urban spots.
Do both models require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW M4 CS and the 2026 Audi RS 7 strictly require premium unleaded fuel to maintain their high-performance outputs.
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