VS
At a Glance
Power
591hp @ 6000
255hp @ 4700
Torque
590lb-ft @ 2050
295lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
18 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A6 delivers 591hp @ 6000 while the BMW 5 Series produces 255hp @ 4700. On fuel, the A6 returns 18 mpg est. while the 5 Series uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $116,500 for the A6 and $60,500 for the 5 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
591hp @ 6000
255hp @ 4700
Torque (lb-ft)
590lb-ft @ 2050
295lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
18 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
28mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
35mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.3gal
15.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.7in
199.2in
Width (in)
76.8in
74.8in
Height (in)
58.6in
59.6in
Wheelbase (in)
115.3in
117.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4982lbs
4041lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 5 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A6
Fuel Economy
5 Series
Value
5 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (18 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
BMW 5 Series
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($60,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or 5 Series?
The A6 gets 18 mpg est. and the 5 Series gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 5 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A6 or 5 Series?
The A6 produces 591hp @ 6000 and 590lb-ft @ 2050 of torque while the 5 Series delivers 255hp @ 4700 and 295lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The A6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and 5 Series?
The A6 starts from $116,500 and the 5 Series from $60,500. The 5 Series is cheaper by $56,000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A6 or the 5 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.