BMW 1 Series vs Audi RS7
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Audi RS7

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2020 Audi RS7

By Chris Thompson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

11.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

A V8 with 800Nm? Yes please
Hatchback practicality
Standard air suspension

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

Limited rear headroom
Rear legroom could be better
Cabin storage isn't great

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

View full pricing & specs

2020 Audi RS7 Summary

If you’re looking for a sedan version of the RS 6 Avant, then you’ve come to the right place – sort of. See there is no RS 6 Sedan, but the RS 7 Sportback is the next best thing – you may even find it an even better thing because not only does it share RS 6 Avant’s outrageous engine and high-performance hardware, it’s also a sedan …but with a hatchback.

And if that kind of thing makes you happy, sit down – because the new generation RS 7 Sportback has just landed.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2020 Audi RS7

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The new-generation RS 7 Sportback heralds the further evolution of this large majestic beast, with more features, a beautifully finished cabin and with more grunt with the looks to match. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of power, dynamics and comfort in the Audi range – apart from in the RS 6 Avant of course.

BMW 1 Series vs Audi RS7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Audi RS7
What's the difference?