2026 Audi A6 Sedan vs. BMW 5 Series Comparison

We already received a superb take a look at the brand new Audi A6 Avant and the way it compares to the 5 Series Touring. However, we’re solely now laying eyes on the sedan model that may accompany the wagon. In and out, the A6 sedan largely mirrors the enhancements and modifications seen within the Touring mannequin. However how does it maintain up when positioned aspect to aspect with its major competitor, the BMW 5 Sequence?

Exterior Design

The 2026 Audi A6 grows relative to its predecessor. At 196.5 inches (4.99 meters), it’s two inches longer, however retains an similar wheelbase because the final A6 we noticed. The 5 Sequence manages to stretch three inches longer than the Audi, however stays aggressive because of a commensurately longer wheelbase. The 2 are roughly the identical width.

New aesthetic particulars on the 2026 Audi A6 sedan embody a wider grille and narrower headlights and a extra aerodynamic entrance bumper design. Actually, in accordance with Audi, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is essentially the most aerodynamic combustion-powered mannequin the model has ever delivered to market, providing a drag coefficient of 0.23. Enhancements elsewhere embody a single tail gentle stretching the width of the trunk and wheels measuring as much as 21 inches, just like the 5 Sequence. We predict the 5 Sequence sedan, like its Touring brother, is the extra restrained design. The massive grille and slender, eyebrow-like LED strips within the headlights give the A6 sedan a extra instantly aggressive look.

Inside Design

Inside, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan mirrors the enhancements made within the Touring mannequin. You’ll discover as much as three touchscreens, one thing that (at the moment) BMW doesn’t provide. Nevertheless, trunk capability is a bit diminished: the Audi touts 492 liters (17.76 cubic toes) of trunk area, trailing the BMW’s 521 liters (18.4 cubic toes). Each vehicles provide a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench and facilities like a panoramic glass roof. In comparison with the final A6 Sedan we noticed, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan will get a smaller gear selector, squared-off steering wheel, and extra intensive ambient lighting. Each automotive’s cabins go fairly gentle on the buttons, though the 5 Sequence nonetheless retains a bodily iDrive controller, making it preferable for people who need even a bit bodily management.

Efficiency

Relating to efficiency, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan is at a drawback, as a result of we don’t but have specifics on high-performance fashions. Technically, we don’t have agency numbers on the model certain for the USA’ shores in any respect. What we do have is Audi’s phrase that three powertrains will likely be accessible, no less than for a lot of the world. The entry-level mannequin touts a 2.0-liter gasoline unit good for 201 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. An accessible diesel unit, which undoubtedly gained’t arrive Stateside, makes the identical horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The A6 sedan may also be accessible with a well-known 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. Right here, it makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It will apparently be the one model of the A6 that makes it to US shores, making it considerably extra highly effective than the bottom 5 Sequence we get. However, it should lag behind the B58-powered 540i, which makes 375 horsepower. Both method, within the international market and on paper, the Audi instantly parallels the 5 Sequence. Although, we anticipate the 5er to be the extra dynamic of the 2.

Expertise

With an accessible tri-screen show, there’s no scarcity of screens within the 2026 Audi A6 sedan. An 11.9-inch instrument cluster joins a 14.5-inch heart touchscreen, with the passenger’s show measuring 10.9 inches. The Audi sources Bang & Olufsen sound, which can possible be proper there with the BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. The 2 will very possible provide almost similar technical capabilities, largely boiling down to non-public choice. Nevertheless, in case your passenger should completely have a display screen of their very own, solely the Audi will suffice.

Audi’s A6 sedan reveal stipulates that the United States-bound mannequin may have its personal, separate launch later this yr. However we don’t anticipate drastic modifications between the rest-of-world fashions and what the US will in the end see. After seeing each the Avant and the sedan, which might you’re taking? And, extra importantly, is both price contemplating over the 5 Sequence?