A6 vs 5 Series
Different logos, same mission. The A6 and the 5 Series both want to be your next car. The scorecard favors the 5 Series, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 5 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 5 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance0.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 5 Series has better fuel economy
The A6 is clearly behind on fuel economy (combined) (26 mpg against 31 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 5 Series has better city fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the 5 Series is in a different league: 28 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the A6. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The 5 Series has 22 lb-ft more torque
The A6 comes close with 273 lb-ft; the 5 Series does slightly better with 295 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 5 Series has better highway fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 35 mpg for the 5 Series, 31 mpg for the A6. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
5 Series leads
By a small margin, the 5 Series is the stronger of the two in this area. In its favor, the 5 Series has 22 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Net result: the 5 Series leads this part of the comparison.
Torque
A6: 273 lb-ft 5 Series: 295 lb-ft The 5 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
5 Series leads
Look at the fuel economy & range table and one name keeps coming out on top: the 5 Series. The 5 Series stands out with better fuel economy. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. If this section decides it for you, choose the 5 Series.
Fuel economy (combined)
A6: 26 mpg 5 Series: 31 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
A6: 24 mpg 5 Series: 28 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 5 Series has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The A6 and the 5 Series match each other closely in this area. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
The A6 and the 5 Series differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft Least torque in class | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 5 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A6 or the 5 Series?
On the specs compared here, the 5 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the A6 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A6 and the 5 Series come from rival camps, Audi and BMW, but they’re chasing the same person: you. Here’s what matters most to me: the 5 Series offers better fuel economy. Stack 22 lb-ft more torque on top of that, and the 5 Series’s lead grows.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the A6, engine & performance to the 5 Series.
My pick: the 5 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.