Audi A6 vs BMW 5 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi A6 starts from $123,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW 5 Series opens at $114,900. That makes the BMW 5 Series the more affordable entry point by $8,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $135,960 and $126,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 5 Series by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Audi A6 and 89% for the BMW 5 Series.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A6 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW 5 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A6 and 6 in the BMW 5 Series. The Audi A6 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 5 Series misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A6 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 5 Series gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A6 stands out with ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi A6 uses a Diesel MHEV producing 210kW and 620Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.
The BMW 5 Series responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Audi A6 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A6 measures 4,939mm long on a 2,924mm wheelbase, 121mm shorter than the BMW 5 Series at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Audi A6 and 520L in the BMW 5 Series, giving the Audi A6 a 10L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m to 11.9m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Audi A6 and $1,710/year for the BMW 5 Series. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Audi A6) vs $1,710 (BMW 5 Series). The BMW 5 Series saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A6 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW 5 Series will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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