2026 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW M4

$132,700 · Sedan

$81,300 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between blistering performance and sensible luxury often pits machines like the 2026 Audi RS 7 against the 2026 BMW M4. Buyers frequently struggle with choosing between outright power and significant savings. The RS 7 is substantially more potent, boasting 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, compared to the M4's 473 hp and 406 lb-ft. This power surge comes at a cost: the Audi commands an MSRP of $132,700, over $51,400 more than the M4's $81,300 entry price. Furthermore, daily running costs differ wildly; the Audi achieves a combined 16 MPG, while the M4’s efficiency isn't explicitly listed but generally surpasses the Audi’s low fuel economy given the massive power gap. The Audi offers a slightly larger footprint at 197.2 inches long, alongside a more generous 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the M4's 15.5 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW M4

The smaller dimensions and potentially better daily efficiency of the M4 make it marginally easier for navigating tight city streets.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 is structurally a sedan with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, making it far more practical than the M4 coupe’s 15.5 cu ft capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 7

The RS 7 offers significantly superior straight-line speed thanks to 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, overwhelming the M4’s output.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M4

The M4 saves the buyer $51,400 in MSRP while still delivering significant performance metrics.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You require the maximum available performance, evidenced by the RS 7's 621 hp output.
You prioritize hauling capacity, as the RS 7 offers 24.6 cu ft of cargo room compared to the M4’s 15.5 cu ft.
You prefer the security and handling predictability of standard All-Wheel Drive over the M4's Rear Wheel Drive.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

Saving $51,400 on the initial purchase price is a major deciding factor ($81,300 vs $132,700).
You strongly prefer the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission over an 8-speed automatic.
You plan on doing more city driving where the smaller overall dimensions might feel less cumbersome.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW M4
Length	197.2"	189.1"
Width	76.8"	74.3"
Height	56.1"	55.0"
Wheelbase	115.3"	112.5"

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	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed 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	gas
Horsepower	621 hp	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	406 lb-ft @ 2650 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	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	15.6 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	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

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	—	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	—	464W
Speaker System	—	16
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
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 Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	35.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 10.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	275/35R21	285/35R Z
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi RS 7 and 2026 BMW M4.

How much more does the Audi RS 7 cost than the BMW M4?

The 2026 Audi RS 7 has an MSRP of $132,700, which is exactly $51,400 more expensive than the 2026 BMW M4 listed at $81,300.

Which car is better for frequent highway trips based on specs?

While neither car prioritizes economy, the RS 7 states a combined MPG of 16 (14 city/21 highway), which is relatively poor; however, without specific MPG figures for the M4, we can only note that the Audi's requirement for premium fuel aligns with its high-output nature.

Is the M4’s manual transmission a major advantage over the RS 7’s automatic?

For drivers who seek maximum driver involvement, the M4's 6-speed manual is a definitive pro, while the RS 7 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering quicker automated shifts.

How much does the difference in size affect usability?

The RS 7 is larger in every dimension, being 197.2 inches long compared to the M4's 189.1 inches, which is reflected in the Audi offering 9.1 cubic feet more cargo space.

If I care most about raw acceleration, which car wins?

The Audi RS 7 is the undisputed winner here, producing 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, easily surpassing the M4’s 473 hp and 406 lb-ft.

Does one car come standard with AWD?

Yes, the 2026 Audi RS 7 comes standard with all-wheel drive for maximum traction, whereas the 2026 BMW M4 is listed with a rear-wheel-drive configuration.