Audi RS6 vs BMW X5 M
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$241,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$247,800RRP
- with the Audi RS6's standard kit: $247,800 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi RS6 starts from $241,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 M opens at $247,800. That makes the Audi RS6 the more affordable entry point by $6,300.
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 $265,650 and $272,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi RS6 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Audi RS6
- REC-006313 · published 14 Mar 2025On certain vehicles, the front passenger airbag may have been damaged in transit prior to installation in the vehicle.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
BMW X5 M
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Audi RS6 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X5 M gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The BMW X5 M counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi RS6 gets leather upholstery while the BMW X5 M offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi RS6 and 4-zone in the BMW X5 M.
Drivetrain
The Audi RS6 uses a Petrol producing 463kW and 850Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds.
The BMW X5 M responds with a Petrol making 460kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The Audi RS6 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 460kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi RS6 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi RS6 measures 4,995mm long on a 2,929mm wheelbase, 47mm longer than the BMW X5 M at 4,948mm (2,972mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 M generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 565L in the Audi RS6 and 650L in the BMW X5 M, giving the BMW X5 M a 85L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.7m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,363/year for the Audi RS6 and $3,563/year for the BMW X5 M. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Audi RS6.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi RS6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5 M). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (46 vs 59). The Audi RS6 and BMW X5 M trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi RS6 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 M has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi RS6 and BMW X5 M?
The Audi RS6 is the cheapest at $241,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 M by $6,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi RS6 uses the least fuel at 11.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Audi RS6 and BMW X5 M carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 M has the largest boot at 650L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 M has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS6 makes the most power at 463kW. The Audi RS6 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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