Compare the2026 BMW M5VS 2025 Audi RS 6

The BMW M5’s optional Surround View is available with washers for its front and rear cameras, ensuring crystal-clear visibility in any weather condition. Conversely, the Audi RS 6 only offers a rear camera washer, which may not provide the same level of all-weather performance.

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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, 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’ 2025 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 73 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

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.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M5 is faster than the Audi RS 6:

On the EPA test cycle the M5 Touring running on electricity gets better mileage than the RS 6 Performance Avant (52 city/57 hwy MPGe vs. 14 city/21 hwy).

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

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW M5 higher (4 out of 10) than the Audi RS 6 (2). This means the M5 produces up to 15.6 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RS 6 every 15,000 miles.

The M5 stops shorter than the RS 6:

For better traction, the M5 has larger tires than the RS 6 (F:285/40R20 & R:295/35R21 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 Touring executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RS 6 Avant (23.8 seconds @ .88 average G’s vs. 24.2 seconds @ .81 average G’s).

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.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M5 offers cargo security. The RS 6’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

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 is optional in the M5 Sedan 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.