Audi RS5 vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?

Audi RS5

—

2021 price

View pricing & specs

BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2021 Audi RS5

2026 BMW i Series

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Potent engine
Supermodel looks
Premium and polished interior

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

Tight rear seat in Coupe
Gearbox can feel fidgety at speed

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

2021 Audi RS5 Summary

Audi's A5 Coupe and Sportback have always been good looking cars. Yes, yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but seriously, just look at one and tell me it's not handsome.

Happily, the just-updated RS5 doesn't just build on the looks of its more sedate sibling, but on the performance, too, adding near-supercar speed to those supermodel looks.

Sounds like a pretty good match, right? Let's find out, shall we?

View full pricing & specs

2026 BMW i Series Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2021 Audi RS5 2026 BMW i Series

Verdict

Good looking, good to drive, and good to simply sit in, the Audi RS5 range ticks plenty of premium boxes. Whether you can live with the practicality pitfalls of the Coupe is up to you, but if you can't, might I suggest taking a wander over to our RS4 Avant review?

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Audi RS5 vs BMW i Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS5 vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?