2026 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW M5

$132,700 · Sedan

$121,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Audi RS 7 commands attention with its sleek, coupe-like silhouette and a potent 621 horsepower, delivering relentless all-wheel-drive performance rooted in classic German engineering. Contrasting this is the ferocious 2026 BMW M5, leveraging a staggering 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Audi in raw output. While the M5 boasts a headline-grabbing 29 miles of electric range thanks to its hybridization, the RS 7 offers a slightly better EPA estimate at 16 MPG combined versus the M5's 14 MPG combined. Priced at $132,700, the RS 7 sits above the M5's $121,900 entry point. Despite the power deficit, the Audi provides superior utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the BMW's 16.5 cu ft, making the choice a thrilling battle between brute force efficiency and refined practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW M5

The BMW M5's 29 miles of electric range offers a significant advantage for fuel-efficient city commuting, despite its slightly higher city fuel consumption (12 MPG EV vs 14 MPG gas for the RS 7).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 wins for practicality, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 24.6 cubic feet compared to the M5's 16.5 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M5

The BMW M5's dominant 717 horsepower and massive 738 lb-ft of torque deliver a superior, more aggressive performance ceiling for the dedicated driving enthusiast.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M5

The BMW M5 delivers nearly 100 more horsepower for $10,800 less than the Audi RS 7, representing significantly better power-per-dollar.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You prioritize usable trunk space, as the RS 7 offers 24.6 cu ft versus the M5's 16.5 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly more established, non-hybridized performance formula with 621 horsepower.
You value a slightly better overall fuel economy rating, achieving 16 MPG combined versus 14 MPG combined for the M5.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

You crave top-tier straight-line performance, thanks to the M5's massive 717 hp and 738 lb-ft output.
You plan to utilize electric-only driving, benefiting from the M5's 29 miles of electric range.
You are seeking maximum power for the price, saving $10,800 while gaining 96 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW M5
Length	197.2"	200.6"
Width	76.8"	77.6"
Height	56.1"	59.4"
Wheelbase	115.3"	118.3"

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	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	621 hp	717 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
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	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	12/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 mi.	190.8/302.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	15.9 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	41/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	29 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	55
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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
Stereo Power	—	655W
Speaker System	—	18

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.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-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.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	275/35R21	295/35R21
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi RS 7 and 2026 BMW M5.

How much does the 2026 BMW M5 save me compared to the Audi RS 7?

The BMW M5 has an MSRP of $121,900, which is exactly $10,800 less than the 2026 Audi RS 7's starting price of $132,700.

Which sedan is significantly more powerful in this comparison?

The 2026 BMW M5 is significantly more potent, boasting 717 horsepower, a full 96 hp advantage over the Audi RS 7's 621 horsepower rating.

Can the hybrid BMW M5 operate purely on electricity for short trips?

Yes, the 2026 BMW M5 includes plug-in hybrid capability, allowing for up to 29 miles of electric-only driving before the premium unleaded engine needs to engage.

If I frequently transport luggage, which vehicle has better storage?

The Audi RS 7 is the clear choice for cargo, providing 24.6 cubic feet of space, significantly more than the M5's 16.5 cubic feet capacity.

Do these high-performance sedans differ much in size?

They are similarly sized performance sedans, though the M5 is slightly longer at 200.6 inches (vs 197.2 inches for the RS 7) and noticeably taller at 59.4 inches (vs 56.1 inches for the RS 7).

How do their standard fuel economy ratings compare?

The Audi RS 7 manages a slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 16 MPG, compared to the M5’s combined 14 MPG, although both mandate premium fuel.