Compare the2025 BMW M5VS 2025 Audi RS 6

The M5 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the RS 6’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the M5 has standard Cross Traffic Warning, helping the driver avoid collisions. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the RS 6.

Both the M5 and the RS 6 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The BMW M5 weighs 408 to 548 pounds more than the Audi RS 6. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the RS 6.

There are over 14 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M5’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 36 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 85 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

The M5’s 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid produces 96 more horsepower (717 vs. 621) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (738 vs. 627) than the RS 6’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid.

The M5 can travel with zero emissions for 25 miles. The RS 6 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The M5 stops shorter than the RS 6:

For better traction, the M5 has larger standard tires than the RS 6 (285/40R20 vs. 275/35R21).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M5’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the RS 6 (118.3 inches vs. 115.3 inches).

The M5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (53.9% to 46.1%) than the RS 6’s (55% to 45%). This gives the M5 more stable handling and braking.

The front grille of the M5 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The RS 6 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The M5 has 2.3 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS 6.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the M5 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RS 6 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The M5 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are optional in the M5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The RS 6 doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The BMW M5 comes in sedan and station wagon bodystyles; the Audi RS 6 isn’t available as a sedan.

The BMW 5 Series outsold the Audi A6/S6/RS 6 by over two to one during 2024.