2026 Audi RS 6 vs. 2027 BMW M5

Motor1 says the BMW M5 Touring accelerates 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds and tops out at 189 mph, while the Audi RS6's twin-turbo 4.0-liter mild-hybrid V8 makes 600 hp and 590 lb-ft (630 hp/627 lb-ft in Performance form, hitting 0-62 in 3.4 seconds and up to 190 mph with the RS Dynamic Plus package), with weight the biggest differentiator: the RS6 weighs 4,575 pounds against the M5 Touring's minimum 5,456 pounds, and the RS6 starting slightly more expensive at $127,695 versus the M5 Touring's $122,675. TrueCar confirms the BMW M5's $124,750 MSRP undercuts the Audi RS 6 Avant's $132,095 by $7,345, a gap that narrows only slightly based on real-world average prices.

Which to choose, and why

The RS6 is nearly 900 pounds lighter

Motor1 (opens in a new tab) says the BMW M5 Touring accelerates 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds and tops out at 189 mph, while the Audi RS6's twin-turbo 4.0-liter mild-hybrid V8 makes 600 hp and 590 lb-ft (630 hp/627 lb-ft in Performance form, hitting 0-62 in 3.4 seconds and up to 190 mph with the RS Dynamic Plus package), with weight the biggest differentiator: the RS6 weighs 4,575 pounds against the M5 Touring's minimum 5,456 pounds, and the RS6 starting slightly more expensive at $127,695 versus the M5 Touring's $122,675.

$7,345 cheaper M5

TrueCar (opens in a new tab) confirms the BMW M5's $124,750 MSRP undercuts the Audi RS 6 Avant's $132,095 by $7,345, a gap that narrows only slightly based on real-world average prices.

Questions buyers ask

Which is lighter, the Audi RS6 or BMW M5?

Motor1 (opens in a new tab) says the RS6, at 4,575 pounds versus the M5 Touring's minimum 5,456 pounds.

Which is cheaper, the Audi RS6 or BMW M5?

TrueCar (opens in a new tab) says the M5, by $7,345 at MSRP.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Audi RS 6: 1 records · BMW M5: 2 records.

Decision field	Audi RS 6	BMW M5
Exact EPA records	1	2
Model / option labels	1	2
Drive layouts	All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid	4.4L 8-cyl SIDI; PHEV
Transmissions	Automatic (S8)	Automatic (S8)
Fuel types	Premium	Premium and Electricity
EPA classes	Midsize Station Wagons	Midsize Cars, Midsize Station Wagons
Combined efficiency	16 MPG/MPGe	13–14 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	25–29 miles
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$5000 per year	$5700–6150 per year

Head to head

Audi RS 6 vs. BMW M5: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Audi RS 6	BMW M5
Starting price (KBB base)	$133,295	$124,750
Top trim price (KBB base)	$133,295	$126,750
Horsepower	621 hp	717 hp
Torque	627 lb-ft	738 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	3.3 sec	3.5 sec
Curb weight	4,982 lb	5,390 lb
Length	196.7 in	200.6 in
Wheelbase	115.3 in	118.3 in
Cargo volume	30 cu ft	16.5 cu ft
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Basic warranty	4 years	4 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 and 2027 model years); prices are KBB base prices.

The BMW M5 starts $8,545 lower: $124,750 against $133,295 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the BMW M5 leads: 717 hp against 621 hp.
On peak torque, the BMW M5 leads: 738 lb-ft against 627 lb-ft.
The Audi RS 6 is quicker to 60 mph: 3.3 sec against 3.5 sec.
The Audi RS 6 is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 4,982 lb against 5,390 lb.
On length, the BMW M5 leads: 200.6 in against 196.7 in.
On wheelbase, the BMW M5 leads: 118.3 in against 115.3 in.
On cargo volume, the Audi RS 6 leads: 30 cu ft against 16.5 cu ft.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 4 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Audi RS 6 and the BMW M5.

2026 Audi RS 6

The Audi RS 6 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A6 range, produced by the high-performance subsidiary company Audi Sport GmbH, for its parent company Audi AG, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, from 2002 onwards. The first and second versions of the RS 6 were offered in both Avant and saloon forms. The third and fourth generations are only offered as an Avant.

Source: Audi RS 6 (Wikipedia)

Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)

December 2025, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA for the 2024 Audi RS 6, most often about electrical system (1), engine (1).

2027 BMW M5

The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built since 1984 with periodic interruptions. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as an estate. The first M5 model was hand-built beginning in late 1984 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production saloon at the time.

Source: BMW M5 (Wikipedia)

Special editions. There were four special editions of the E34 M5. The Cecotto, Winkelhock and 20 Jahre editions which were offered as LHD Euro specification models while the RHD UK Limited edition was only sold in the United Kingdom. In 1991, BMW asked two race drivers to design their "ideal" version of the E34 M5.

Motorsport. BMW Australia entered an E34 M5 in the Australian 1992 Bathurst 12 Hour Production Car endurance race, placing 2nd overall, and 1st in its class. It was driven by former F1 grand prix champion Alan Jones, Neville Crichton, and BMW Touring car driver Tony Longhurst.

Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)

February 2026, Electrical System:Wiring. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 M5 Sportswagon, 2025-2026 M5, 2024-2025 750e xDrive, 2025-2026 550e xDrive, 2023-2025 I7, 2023-2025 7 Series, 2024-2026 i5, and 5 Series vehicles. The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become… Consequence: A damaged wiring harness can short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
February 2024, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of… Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of…

Open both dossiers

Resolve the exact engine, drive and EPA ID.

01 · 2026Audi RS 61 configurations →02 · 2027BMW M52 configurations →

Comparison answer desk

14 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 Audi RS 6 or the 2027 BMW M5?

Efficiency

The 2026 Audi RS 6 lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (16 vs. the 2027 BMW M5's 13.5 MPG/MPGe).