BMW M5 Touring vs Audi RS6 Avant: Wagons are boring. At least, that’s what people who’ve never driven a 700+ horsepower German performance wagon like to say.
In 2026 that tired stereotype is officially dead. The Audi RS6 Avant and the all-new BMW M5 Touring are locked in an all-out battle to prove that you can haul kid, luggage and groceries during the week and embarrass supercar on the weekend.
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Both are brutally fast, absurdly luxurious and loud enough to wake your neighbor. But they take very different approaches to achieving wagon supremacy.
If you’re trying to decide which monster deserves space in your garage, here are five major differences between the Audi RS6 Avant and BMW M5 Touring that actually matter.
1. The BMW Is a Plug-In Hybrid — The Audi Isn’t
The greatest philosophical difference between the two is this.
With a plug in hybrid configuration the BMW M5 Touring embraces electricity. It generates an incredible 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque by combining an electric motor with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The bonus? It may be driven entirely on electricity which makes quick city journeys smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient.
In contrast the Audi RS6 Avant adhere to tradition. No plug, no EV only mode, no regret its 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 produce 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It is aggressive, boisterous and blatantly gasoline powered.
Verdict:
Want future ready performance? BMW wins.
Love raw, mechanical drama? Audi delivers.
2. The Audi Is Much Lighter — And Faster
Hybrid tech brings power but it also brings weight.
The Audi RS6 Avant weighs 4,982 pound a significant 541-pound edge over the BMW M5 Touring, which weighs a whopping 5,523 pounds.
Acceleration reflect this weight differential. BMW claims a 0–60 mph pace of 3.5 seconds, whereas Audi claim 3.3 seconds. The difference is negligible in real-world testing although when launching forcefully the RS6 frequently feels a little more immediate.
Conclusion: BMW replies with brute-force hybrid torque, but Audi seems lighter and more explosive.
3. BMW’s Cabin Is Smarter and Flashier
Step inside the M5 Touring, and it’s clear BMW is aiming for the future. A massive curved digital display, dramatic ambient lighting, and bold interior color choices (yes, Kyalami Orange) give it serious next-generation vibes.
The RS6 Avant’s cabin is still beautifully built and premium, but it’s more conservative. Audi’s design focuses on clean lines, physical buttons, and familiarity rather than visual drama.
Verdict:
Tech lovers will prefer BMW.
Minimalists will feel right at home in the Audi.
4. Audi Offers More Cargo Space
Wagons still need to wagon.
Behind the rear seat the Audi offer 30 cubic feet of cargo space while the BMW M5 Touring come in at 27.2 cubic feet. It’s not a massive gap but it matter if you road-trip often.
Fold the seats down and BMW stretches to 67 cubic feet. Audi doesn’t officially publish its maximum cargo figure but real-world use suggests it’s very similar.
Verdict:
Audi wins for everyday hauling; BMW catches up with seats folded.
5. The BMW M5 Touring Is Actually Cheaper
This one might shock Audi loyalists.
Despite being newer and more technologically advanced, the BMW M5 Touring starts at $123,900, undercutting the Audi RS6 Avant’s $130,700 starting price.
Factor in better fuel efficiency from the hybrid system—and possible incentives—and the BMW becomes even more attractive for U.S. buyers. BMW’s optional luxury packages also tend to deliver strong value for the money.
Verdict:
BMW offer more tech and power for less cash.
Final Thoughts
Choose the Audi RS6 Avant if you want
- A lighter, more traditional performance feel
- Classic V8 aggression without hybrid complexity
- A timeless design that still turn head
Choose the BMW M5 Touring if you want
- The most powerful wagon BMW has ever built
- Plug-in hybrid flexibility and better efficiency
- A futuristic interior and lower starting price
No matter which one ends up in your driveway one thing is clear:
Performance wagons aren’t just back ,they’re cooler than ever.
FAQs
Q: Is the BMW M5 Touring fully electric?
A: No It’s a plug in hybrid meaning it combine a gasoline V8 engine with an electric motor. You can drive short distance on electric power alone.
Q: Which wagon is better for daily driving?
A: The BMW M5 Touring may be better for daily use thank to its electric mode, smooth ride and improve fuel efficiency.
Q: Are performance wagon practical for families?
A: Absolutely Both offer spacious interiors, large cargo area, all-wheel drive and luxury features—making them ideal family cars with supercar performance.
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