2025 BMW M5 vs 2026 Audi RS 7
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW M5 bursts onto the scene as an electrified behemoth, delivering a staggering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, making it the outright power king. This plug-in hybrid sedan manages to achieve an electric range of 27 miles, blending immense speed with some urban EV capability. In contrast, the 2026 Audi RS 7 offers a more traditional, if still potent, 621 hp experience, though it pulls ahead significantly in efficiency, boasting 16 combined MPG versus the M5's 14 combined MPG. The M5 is physically larger at 200.6 inches long, while the RS 7 counters with a vastly superior 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the M5's 16.5 cu ft. While the M5 is certainly the performance brute, its $119,500 MSRP significantly undercuts the RS 7's $132,700 price point, forcing buyers to weigh raw power against practicality and cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW M5
The 2025 BMW M5 offers a 27-mile electric range, making short city commutes potentially cheaper and quieter than the RS 7.
2026 Audi RS 7
The 2026 Audi RS 7 provides 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more accommodating for family gear than the M5's 16.5 cu ft.
2025 BMW M5
The 2025 BMW M5 is the undisputed performance leader with 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque available immediately.
2025 BMW M5
The BMW M5 wins on upfront cost, offering 717 hp for an MSRP of $119,500, undercutting the RS 7 by $13,200.
Choose the BMW M5 if...
- You crave maximum brute force, as the M5 delivers 717 hp, a full 96 hp more than the RS 7.
- You prioritize the lowest entry cost into this performance segment, starting at $119,500.
- You plan to use the electric capability frequently, as the M5 boasts a 27-mile dedicated electric range.
Choose the Audi RS 7 if...
- You need substantial trunk space for luggage or gear, benefiting from the RS 7's massive 24.6 cu ft cargo volume.
- You value fuel efficiency on longer trips, as the RS 7 achieves 17 MPG more on the highway (21 MPG vs. 17 MPG).
- You prefer a slightly more compact and visually lower profile, given the RS 7 is 4.4 inches shorter in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M5 | Audi RS 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.6" | 197.2" |
| Width | 77.6" | 76.8" |
| Height | 59.4" | 56.1" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 115.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.4 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 717 hp @ 5600 rpm | 621 hp |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 627 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 32 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 12/17 MPG | 14/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 14 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 190.8/270.3 mi. | 270.2/405.3 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 45/57 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 50 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 27 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 59 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 4.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bowers & Wilkins | — |
| Stereo Power | 655W | — |
| Speaker System | 18 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Bang & Olufsen |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.2 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.9 in. | 55.9 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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 x 11.0 in. | 21 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 295/35R21 | 275/35R21 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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. |
| EV Battery 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. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW M5 and 2026 Audi RS 7.
Is the 2025 BMW M5's 717 hp more noticeable than the Audi RS 7's 621 hp?
Absolutely, the 96 hp advantage of the M5 translates to superior straight-line acceleration potential, making it the faster machine off the line and at the top end. While both are incredibly fast, the M5's torque figure of 738 lb-ft dominates the RS 7's 627 lb-ft.
How does the plug-in hybrid system affect daily use in the M5 compared to the RS 7?
The M5 provides a tangible 27-mile electric-only range, perfect for silent, zero-emission commutes if your daily driving is under that distance. The RS 7 relies solely on premium unleaded fuel, offering 16 combined MPG.
Which sedan offers better practicality for weekend trips or airport runs?
The 2026 Audi RS 7 is the clear winner here, providing 24.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially more usable space than the 16.5 cu ft offered by the BMW M5 sedan.
Is the $13,200 price difference between the two worth the extra power in the BMW?
For driving purists, the cost difference is often seen as a bargain for accessing an extra 96 hp in the M5. However, if you value long-term fuel economy (16 MPG combined for RS 7 vs. 14 MPG combined for M5), the RS 7 might represent better ownership value over several years.
How do the physical sizes of the two sedans compare?
The BMW M5 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 200.6 inches long and 59.4 inches high. The Audi RS 7 is slightly smaller and lower at 197.2 inches long and 56.1 inches high, which can sometimes translate to a more agile feel on tight roads.
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