Audi RS7 vs BMW M5
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.
Audi RS7
From $248,500
Sportback
Petrol
Petrol
463kW
11.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
535L
BMW M5
From $259,900
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
535kW
1.7 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
466L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Audi RS7 & BMW M5
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Audi RS7 starts from $248,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW M5 opens at $259,900. That makes the Audi RS7 the more affordable entry point by $11,400.
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 $273,350 and $285,890 respectively.
The BMW M5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi RS7, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M5 by roughly $14,060 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.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
18.6kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi RS7 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW M5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The BMW M5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that the Audi RS7 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi RS7 gets leather upholstery while the BMW M5 offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi RS7 and 4-zone in the BMW M5.
Drivetrain
The Audi RS7 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 M5 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 535kW and 1000Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 463kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS7 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi RS7 measures 5,009mm long on a 2,929mm wheelbase, 87mm shorter than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 535L in the Audi RS7 and 466L in the BMW M5, giving the Audi RS7 a 69L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.2m
Based on 12.2m 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 $3,306/year for the Audi RS7 and $494/year for the BMW M5. That is a $2,812 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.
Estimated annual total: $3,306 (Audi RS7) vs $494 (BMW M5). The BMW M5 saves you roughly $2,812 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi RS7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS7 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS7 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M5 will save you roughly $2,812 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi RS7 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi RS7 and BMW M5?
The Audi RS7 is the cheapest at $248,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M5 by $11,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Audi RS7 and BMW M5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi RS7 has the largest boot at 535L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The Audi RS7 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
Free: Chinese Cars in Australia Cheat Sheet
Sign up free and we'll email you our Chinese Cars Cheat Sheet (PDF) — all 22 brands ranked on service, parts, warranty and dealer experience. Plus new-car launches, reviews and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
