2026 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW 7 Series

$132,700 · Sedan

$99,300 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between extreme performance and ultimate luxury often boils down to priorities, and the 2026 showdown between the Audi RS 7 and the BMW 7 Series perfectly illustrates this trade-off. If raw speed is king, the RS 7 delivers a massive punch with its 621 hp, dwarfing the 7 Series' 375 hp. This performance comes at a cost: the Audi commands a $132,700 MSRP, significantly higher than the BMW’s $99,300 entry price, plus a steep fuel penalty of only 16 combined MPG versus the 7 Series’ impressive 28 combined MPG. While the RS 7 offers a slightly larger trunk at 24.6 cu ft compared to the 7 Series’ 19.1 cu ft, the nearly 250 horsepower difference highlights the core decision: speed for comfort, or efficiency for savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series wins for commuting due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Audi's 16 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is slightly better suited for families as it is taller (60.8 inches vs 56.1 inches) and offers more overall passenger volume implicitly through its larger sedan profile.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 7

The 2026 Audi RS 7 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque for exhilarating acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series offers superior overall value by saving buyers $33,400 in initial purchase price while delivering much better mileage.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You require the sheer thrill of a 621 hp engine capable of exploiting its 627 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the slightly more substantial cargo area offered by its 24.6 cu ft capacity.
Your budget easily accommodates the $132,700 MSRP and the requirement for premium fuel at only 16 combined MPG.

Choose the BMW 7 Series if...

Fuel efficiency is a major concern, as the 7 Series achieves 31 highway MPG versus the RS 7's 21 MPG.
You want to save $33,400 upfront, as the 7 Series starts at $99,300 compared to the Audi's starting price.
You prioritize interior space and easier ingress/egress due to the 7 Series being taller at 60.8 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW 7 Series
Length	197.2"	212.2"
Width	76.8"	76.8"
Height	56.1"	60.8"
Wheelbase	115.3"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	621 hp	375 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 mi.	487.5/604.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bowers & Wilkins
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	61.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	43.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	20 x 10.5 in.
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	275/35R21	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

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	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi RS 7 and 2026 BMW 7 Series.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Audi RS 7 than the 2026 BMW 7 Series?

The Audi RS 7 commands a significant premium, with an MSRP of $132,700 compared to the BMW 7 Series' starting price of $99,300, resulting in a $33,400 price gap.

Will the RS 7 drastically increase my fuel costs over the 7 Series?

Yes, the fuel efficiency difference is substantial; the Audi only manages 16 combined MPG, whereas the BMW 7 Series delivers 28 combined MPG, meaning more frequent, and more expensive, fill-ups for the Audi.

Is the power difference between the two sedans noticeable in real-world driving?

Absolutely, the 246 hp difference will be very noticeable; the RS 7 produces 621 hp, while the 7 Series offers 375 hp, positioning the Audi purely as a high-performance machine.

Which sedan has more room for luggage?

The Audi RS 7 offers greater luggage capacity, providing 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the 19.1 cubic feet found in the BMW 7 Series.

Are both cars front-wheel drive?

No, while both use automatic transmissions, the Audi RS 7 features all-wheel drive for superior grip, whereas the BMW 7 Series utilizes a rear-wheel drive layout.

Do either of these cars accept regular unleaded gasoline?

Neither vehicle is compatible with regular fuel; both the 2026 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 BMW 7 Series require premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance.