2021 BMW 5 Series vs. 2021 Audi A6

The 2021 BMW 5 Series and the 2021 Audi A6 are fierce rivals, but only one of these German luxury sedans will be just right for you. Although the Audi A6 has a comparable starting price, the BMW sedan offers more trim levels, more engine options, and a more impressive array of standard features. Our 2021 Audi A6 vs. BMW 5 Series comparison has all the details you’ll need to make a decision.

Audi A6 vs. BMW 5 Series: Prices

Starting at $54,200 MSRP, the 2021 BMW 5 Series is ever-so-slightly more accessible than the Audi A6. The latter, starting at $54,900 MSRP, certainly isn’t far behind, but the advantages of choosing the BMW sedan become more clear as you move down the lineup:

• Trim Levels: The 5 Series is offered in four trim levels. The Audi A6 is offered in three.
• Engine Options: The Audi A6 offers two engine options, and both are available in any trim level. The BMW 5 Series offers one engine per trim, making four options in total.
• Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain: Only the BMW 5 Series offers a plug-in hybrid configuration: the 530e. There is no plug-in hybrid A6.

Audi A6 vs. BMW 5 Series: Performance

As we noted above, the BMW 5 Series gives you more options to consider–including a plug-in hybrid option that no A6 will be able to match. Additionally, the most powerful 5 Series engine offers much more power than you can get in the Audi sedan:

BMW 5 Series Engines & Powertrains

• 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbocharged Engine – 248 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbocharged Hybrid Powertrain – 288 hp, 257 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L V6 Turbocharged Engine – 335 hp, 331 lb-ft of torque
• 4.4L V8 M Performance Engine – 523 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque

Any of these options–with the exception of the V8–can be paired with either RWD or xDrive Intelligent AWD. The range-topping option includes AWD as standard.

Audi A6 Engines

• 2.0L 4-cylinder MHEV Engine – 248 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L V6 MHEV Engine – 335 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque

Both A6 engine options are always paired with AWD. That might seem like a strength on the surface, but we know that some drivers will miss the option to stick with RWD. 

Audi A6 vs. BMW 5 Series: Infotainment & Cargo Space

No Audi vs. BMW comparison would be complete without a close look at each model’s standard features. Although the two models in question have a lot in common, only the BMW 5 Series comes standard with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display. The Audi A6 comes standard with a dual-screen infotainment system, but you’ll need to upgrade to access a virtual cockpit or a larger, 10.1-inch central display. 

When you’re out and running errands in Chula Vista or El Cajon, a little extra trunk space can make an enormous difference. The BMW 5 Series has 14 cubic feet of trunk volume, while the Audi A6 has just 13.7 cubic feet.

Explore BMW Sedans in San Diego, CA

If you’re ready to drive a new BMW 5 Series home to Encinitas or Carlsbad, don’t wait to check out our 5 Series lease specials. We’ll go above and beyond to help you find the model that’s right for you, and we’ve even made it possible to shop and buy entirely online!