Audi A6 vs. BMW M5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A6 and BMW M5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A6 and the BMW M5.
When we compare the Audi A6's and the BMW M5's specifications and ratings, the Audi A6 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The BMW M5 has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A6's and the BMW M5's specifications and ratings, the Audi A6 is a better car than the BMW M5.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A6 ranges from $48,368 to $72,144 while a used 2023 BMW M5 is priced between $96,169 to $120,129. For a new model, the Audi A6's price is between $62,042 and $68,761, with the BMW M5 priced between $120,080 and $152,523.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A6 loses 57.2 percent of its value and the BMW M5 loses 54.1 percent of its value. This means the BMW M5 retains 3.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A6.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A6 is 8.4 out of 10 while the BMW M5's quality rating is 7.3 out of 10. This results in the Audi A6 being ranked 6 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW M5 being ranked 15 out of 29.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A6 is 8.3 out of 10. For the BMW M5 the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Audi A6 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW M5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A6’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the BMW M5 base engine makes 600 horsepower. The A6 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 637 miles. The M5 is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. This gives the Audi A6 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW M5. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the BMW M5 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Audi A6 has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Audi A6 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$62,042 - $68,761
Starting MSRP:
$58,100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$120,080 - $152,523
Starting MSRP:
$109,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$71,383
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,195 - $134,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$60,397
Price Range:
$48,368 - $72,144
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
140
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
16,291
# Good or Great Deals:
52
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$107,306
Price Range:
$96,169 - $120,129
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$71,027
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$39,610 - $126,923
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
36
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19,104
# Good or Great Deals:
7
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,762
Depreciation %:
58.1%
Resale Value $:
$24,338
Residual Value %:
41.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$59,969
Depreciation %:
54.6%
Resale Value $:
$49,931
Residual Value %:
45.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
48.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
45.7% - 54.6%
Audi A6 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW M5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A6
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
7 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.6 - 28.7
Audi A6 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29BMW M5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 20Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A6 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 45 TFSI, quattro Premium 55 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 45 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 55 TFSI, quattro Prestige 55 TFSI
BMW M5 Trim Levels
Base
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
600 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
553 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.138 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 637 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 21 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
302 / 422 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
13.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
14 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
103.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4101 lbs
Width:
83.1 inches
Height:
57.4 inches
Length:
194.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
83.7 inches
Height:
58 inches
Length:
196.4 inches
Wheelbase:
117.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Firmament Blue Metallic
Brown
Madeira Brown Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Manhattan Gray Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Marina Bay Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Alvite Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White
Green
San Remo Green Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige w/ Agate Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
Brown
Okapi Brown w/ Steel Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Black/Midrand Beige
Brown
Aragon Brown / Tartufo
Gray
Silverstone
White
Smoke White/Black
