2026 Audi A6 vs. BMW 540i: A New Winner Emerges in the Executive Sedan Rivalry

When Car and Driver last compared the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series, the A6 came out on top by a single point. That was over nine years ago. Now, with the A6 redesigned for 2026 and the 5-series updated for 2024, the two Germans have met again, and this time, the gap is much wider.

The Audi A6, powered by a 362-hp turbocharged V-6 with all-wheel drive, starts at $65,395. The BMW 540i, with 375 hp and standard AWD, is pricier at $69,150. However, as tested, the Audi jumped to $84,970, $3,670 more than the BMW's $81,300. Both test cars came loaded with extras like Level 2 driving assist, heated seats, and premium wheels.

Neither sedan impressed on looks. The A6's design was called forgettable, with the dark blue paint hiding subtle details. The BMW's styling was described as disjointed, with M Sport add-ons that felt arbitrary. Inside, both cabins are screen-heavy and busy, with the Audi featuring three displays and the BMW offering two large screens plus a physical controller.

The powertrains tell a different story. The BMW's turbocharged inline-six was praised as near-perfect, delivering immediate torque with a smooth eight-speed automatic. The Audi's V-6 suffered from turbo lag below 1,500 rpm, and its dual-clutch transmission felt less polished in traffic.

7 seconds.

Braking favored the BMW, which stopped from 70 mph in 153 feet versus the Audi's 171 feet. The BMW also gripped the skidpad better at 0.89 g. On the highway, the Audi achieved 38 mpg in testing, beating its EPA estimate by 9 mpg, while the BMW hit 37 mpg, 5 mpg over its rating.

Behind the wheel, the BMW felt numb, with disconnected steering and muted chassis feedback. The Audi, despite firmer modes, impressed with a plush air suspension and linear brake feel. The A6's seats were comfortable and supportive, while the BMW's were stiff and lumpy.

In the end, the Audi won by 12 points, a much larger margin than the one-point victory in 2017. The BMW had the better engine, but the A6 proved the better executive car overall, combining comfort, dynamics, and ergonomics. As the verdict put it, the A6 is a treat once you get past its boring wrapper.