In all their splendor — battle of the luxury duo

Considered two of the most revered vehicles in their class, the 2020 BMW 5 Series and 2019 Audi A6 have much to boast about. Whether it is stand-out features or their design cues, each have a cache all their own. But take a moment to compare the two, and see which one stands out in the crowd and is better suited for your daily needs. Let the battle for the best midsize luxury car begin!

Their starting price

Before you even take a look at their interior and exterior amenities, consider the price of each. When comparing costs, the BMW 5 Series has the advantage, While both vehicles have some of the highest base prices in the luxury midsize line up, with a starting price of $53,400, the BMW is definitely the more economical choice with the Audi starting at just under $59,000. Also in the area of cost, fuel economy has the A6 a bit ahead, based on the fact it uses regular unleaded gasoline while the 5 Series sedan requires premium, which costs 20-55 cents more a gallon. Also, the A6 has 1.3 gallons more of fuel capacity than the BMW for longer range between fill-ups.

Interior comfort

Both vehicles offer comfort in their ability to seat five passengers with ample room, but most car consumers find they prefer the 5 Series in this comparison. That is because it comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery as well as 16-power front seats. This makes every destination one rooted in comfort and enjoyment. For a slight extra cost, full leather upholstery is available, as well as 20-way power-adjustable front seats, which are also heated and ventilated as well as massaging. By comparison, although the Audi A6 comes standard with leather upholstery and heated front seats, it presents fewer options overall. For example, the base front seats are eight-way power adjustable seats with premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats also available. In addition to comfort, the BMW’s cabin has the look and feel that simply translates into the best in its class. The design is sharp, modern and very user-friendly, and completed with all upscale materials. The Audi also presents attractive finishes and a redesigned cabin with a modern look.

Bringing your load!

When it comes to cargo space and your ability to haul all those extra belongings for your next road trip, the BMW 5 Series once again stands out. Its cavernous trunk at 18.6 cubic feet is considered one of the largest in its class. The A6 presents a space of just 13.7 cubic feet, well below average for the class. Both vehicles feature a split-folding rear seat and are offered with a hands-free power trunk lid.

Infotainment offerings

The A6 comes this year with a full redesign that is highlighted by a new infotainment display with two screens, including an 8.8 or 10.1 inch touch screen on top and an 8.6 inch screen underneath. This system is known to be intuitive and sharp, and is considered one of the most advanced in its class. It also includes a 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, HD Radio, satellite radio, a voice-control navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes standard with dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a panoramic sunroof. The option is available to upgrade to quad-zone climate control, a proximity key, push-button start, two premium Bang & Olufsen audio systems, wireless device charging and a 12.3 inch digital instrument panel.

By comparison, the BMW 5 Series has a system that is highlighted by a 10.2-inch touch screen and a touchpad, a 12-speaker audio system, HD Radio, navigation and just Apple CarPlay, not Android Auto. There is also standard features including push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control and moonroof. Upgraded options include the choice of two premium 16-speaker audio systems, satellite radio, gesture control, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot and a rear seat entertainment system.

Power forward!

The base BMW 5 Series, also known as the 530i, boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that gives forth 248 horsepower, less than the Audi A6 but still completely adequate. The 540i gives a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that puts out 335 horsepower with the three M models featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine, which is rated for 456 horsepower in the M550i; 600 horsepower in the M5, and 617 horsepower in the M5 Competition. On the flip side, the redesigned 2019 A6 debuts with just one powertrain, a 3.0-liter V6 rated for 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque that comes paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The result is smooth shifting and the ability for quick shifts. However, the range of powertrains available in the 5 Series has BMW standing out in this category when comparing.

How they handle

With agile handling, both vehicles present a smooth ride, but the BMW squeaks ahead when it comes to better steering. The Audi A6 comes standard with all-wheel drive while the BMW comes standard with rear-wheel drive and the Driving Dynamics Control system with three driving mode settings. All-wheel drive and an adaptive suspension are also available.

Safety first

Designated the top safety pick, BMW earns top ratings from the Insurance Institute for High Safety’s crash test program. The A6 also was recognized and earned good scores for all of the testing performed. Equipped with more standard safety equipment, though, the BMW 5 Series once again stands out. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and a pre-collision assist system. Other options include a heads-up display, night vision camera with pedestrian detection and a surround-view camera.

The A6 comes with a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Upgrades can include a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, intersection crossing assist, a 360-degree camera, and a night vision camera with pedestrian detection.

Although head to head in many aspects, the battle of the luxury duo has the BMW taking the top spot in a number of areas, such as pricing, cargo space, seat comfort, performance, safety and more. It’s a close call, but there are definite advantages for those consumers who choose the 5 Series this year. When making that final decision, take the time to see how each match up in categories that mean the most to you. Get the best in class in practicality, comfort and performance. See how the 5 Series — in all its splendor— wins the battle of the luxury