BMW M5 Touring vs Audi RS 6: The Ultimate Showdown of High-Performance Estates

BMW M5 Touring Versus Audi RS 6: Battle of the High-Performance Estates

A challenger emerges to take on the pride of Ingolstadt. We compare interior space, cargo capacity, and power…

Looking for a fiercely sporty drive without leaving the family and luggage behind? For those with the means and a family in tow, there's good news: the estate car segment heats up with a robust rivalry.

After over ten years, the Audi RS 6 finally faces competition again. This time it's the latest BMW M5 Touring entering the fray, charging into the same high-performance wagon segment as the famed vehicle from Ingolstadt.

BMW M5 Estate Model

Audi RS 6 Performance

Exterior

Since 2010, there hasn't been a touring version of the M5 on offer. However, the formula for the new generation remains the same as its predecessor, mirroring the sedan in both appearance and features.

Im Gegensatz zum Limousinenmodell weist der M5 Touring eine etwas ausgedehntere Länge auf, wobei er sich besonders durch eine breitere Achse abhebt – vorne um 75 Millimeter und hinten um 48 Millimeter erweitert. Das Fahrzeug erstreckt sich somit auf eine Gesamtlänge von annähernd 5,10 Meter und eine Breite von 1,97 Meter.

The front and rear bumpers have been swapped out for more aerodynamic alternatives, which, in combination with the side skirts, give the Munich model a very sporty appearance.

On the underside, one notices the twin exhaust pipes available as standard in black chrome, along with the custom-designed alloy wheels paired with 285/40 ZR20 tires at the front and 295/35 ZR21 tires at the rear.

Photo Gallery: BMW M5 Touring (2024)

Despite making its debut in 2019, the Audi RS 6 still appears modern and stylish, even though it is roughly ten centimeters shorter than the M5 Touring. The prominent grille is a distinct feature of the sports variant of the A6 series. This is characterized by an even more menacing single-frame design and two unique air intakes that convey a decidedly aggressive demeanor.

The sides of the vehicle are robustly designed, accommodating wheels as large as 22 inches, with the choice of red brake calipers for the carbon ceramic brake disk system. Equally aggressive is the rear design, featuring a large diffuser and oval exhaust pipes that enhance the rough tone of the V8 engine.

For those who desire an even more athletic experience, the RS 6 lineup includes a Performance model which not only boasts an additional 30 horsepower, but can also be identified by its matte gray mirror accents, aerodynamic add-ons, and its roof.

Inside

The interior of the M5 Touring features leather upholstery on both the seats and dashboard, with various color options available, including two-tone combinations and a glossy finish.

The steering wheel is distinguished by its easy-to-grip, flattened-bottom design and multiple buttons for quick access to different driving mode settings.

According to BMW, the standard features of the latest M5 Touring model include a four-zone automatic climate control, an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and an infotainment setup that boasts a curved screen, consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system with unique graphics, as well as a head-up display.

The cargo space ranges from 500 to 1,630 liters. The roof can accommodate loads up to 100 kilograms. Additionally, the M5 Touring is capable of towing a trailer with a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms. There is certainly no shortage of power available.

Interior of the BMW M5 Estate

Interior of the Audi RS 6

The distinctive contours of the bodywork are mirrored within the interior of the Audi, featuring a minimalistic yet sophisticated dashboard design adorned with aluminum trim and piano black highlights. At the center, two displays serve the infotainment and climate control systems, while the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers a wealth of customizable graphic options.

The RS 6 also comes with a plethora of customization choices. Options include beige leather seats, black seats adorned with either red or blue stitching, and finishes in Alcantara and carbon fiber.

The trunk has a comparable storage space ranging from 550 to 1,680 liters. The roof is capable of holding up to 90 kilograms, including the roof box, and the towing capacity is permitted up to 2,100 kilograms.

Under the hood of the new M5 Touring, there's a 4.4-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 585 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor built into the eight-speed automatic transmission. This electric motor provides an additional 197 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, complete with launch control and an extra boost for increased acceleration from 30 to 150 km/h.

The electric generator is powered by an 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery located beneath the floor of the vehicle. BMW states that the vehicle can travel up to 67 kilometers on electric power alone, as measured by the WLTP cycle. The battery can be recharged at a rate of up to 11 kW using alternating current.

The xDrive four-wheel drive system is responsible for delivering the vehicle's total 727 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. This setup includes a 4WD sport mode that primarily operates with a rear-wheel bias.

The performance stats are remarkable: It goes from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, hits 200 km/h in 11.1 seconds, and tops out at a speed of 305 km/h.

BMW's M5 Station Wagon

Audi's High-Performance

The Audi RS 6 is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that delivers 600 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, coupled with a mild-hybrid system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and quattro four-wheel drive. There's a performance variant available that boosts power to 630 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque, shaving two-tenths off the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time, bringing it down to 3.4 seconds.

The base model can reach a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, while the Performance variant caps out at 280 kilometers per hour. If equipped with the RS Dynamic Plus package, the top speed increases to 305 kilometers per hour.

Further Details on the Super Combos

The most significant variance between the two vehicles is their weight. The RS 6 (Performance) tips the scales at 2,090 kilograms, whereas the notorious M5 Touring weighs in at 2,550 kilograms, making it a hefty 400 kilograms heavier. This is why, despite having greater power, its performance metrics are quite comparable to those of the RS 6.

Cost Overview

The starting cost for the BMW M5 Touring model is set at 146,000 Euros. In comparison, the Audi RS 6 has a starting price point of 130,500 Euros, with its Performance variant beginning at 137,500 Euros. It should be noted for both vehicles that the final cost is likely to increase significantly with the addition of various available customization features.

Photo Gallery: Testing the 2023 Audi RS 6 Performance

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