A6 vs i5
Choosing between Audi and BMW often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the midsize luxury car class, that pair is the A6 and the i5. Expect a close race. The A6 and the i5 trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance i5 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Engine & Performance1.7
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
-
The i5 has 74 hp more power
The A6 lists 261 hp; the i5 comes in at 335 hp. That’s not a rounding error. The i5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The i5 has 22 lb-ft more torque
The difference is minor (295 lb-ft against 273 lb-ft), but if you’re splitting hairs, the i5 wins it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
i5 leads
The i5 is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The i5 answers with 74 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. That makes the i5 the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
A6: 261 hp i5: 335 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A6: 273 lb-ft i5: 295 lb-ft The i5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The A6 and the i5 match each other closely in this area. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 | i5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 335 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft Least torque in class | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 | i5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 295 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 | i5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 | i5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 | i5 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i5 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 261 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with BMW
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A6 or the i5?
On the specs compared here, the i5 makes more sense for most buyers; the A6 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Audi’s A6 versus BMW’s i5. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 74 hp more power, and that goes to the i5.
A quick self-test: do you care more about the things a spec sheet can’t capture or engine & performance? The first answer means the A6, the second means the i5.
My pick: the i5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.