Audi A6 vs BMW 7 Series

The 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional design compared to its predecessors, with a traditional luxury sedan shape from the windshield backward. However, the front of the car featured a massive grille, similar to other recent BMW models, flanked by narrow LED headlights and large projector beams. This bold design was an acquired taste for many. The car offered a wide array of color and trim choices, including two-tone schemes on the 760i trim, which varied its appearance significantly. The interior of the 7 Series was less controversial, featuring beautifully made metal grilles hiding the speakers and seats available in various materials and colors. The cabin also included a big curved screen infotainment display and a crystalline-looking strip with customizable ambient lighting, adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2026 Audi A6, like the smaller A5, was handsome but not visually striking. It featured a lower "singleframe" grille and fender flares inspired by the Quattro rally car. The A6 had a pixelated effect in its LED headlights with programmable signatures, and taillights moved to make room for programmable lights showing different icons. The A6 was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels, with a sportier S Line Black Optic Package for the Prestige trim. The interior offered an Audi Exclusive Design Package with two-tone Nappa leather seats, but the materials felt bland and cheap even in top-spec models.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered three potent powertrains, including the 740i, 760i, and the new 750e plug-in hybrid. The 740i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 760i used a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The 750e combined a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder with an electric motor, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 750e offered impressive fuel mileage, rated at 65 MPGe (electric) and 25 mpg (gas) combined, but had a limited electric range compared to competitors. All versions handled like sports sedans, with precise steering and relatively little body roll.

The 2026 Audi A6 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive. The A6's 4.5-second zero to 60 mph time was quicker than base models of the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class. The A6 included brake-based torque vectoring and an optional Sport Plus Package with a sport rear differential and rear-axle steering. The A6 was stable and composed, better suited for highway driving than aggressive cornering, with some tire noise on less-than-perfect pavement.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series was available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, offering a comfortable and opulent experience. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with optional massaging functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 42.8 inches of legroom and door-mounted control screens. The 7 Series offered a rear executive lounge package with a lie-flat reclining seat. Cargo volume was 18.5 cubic feet for the 750e and 19.1 for gas-only models, with a pass-through for skis.

The 2026 Audi A6 was 2.4 inches longer than the previous model but maintained the same wheelbase, resulting in no significant increase in passenger space. The A6 offered comparable headroom and legroom to a BMW 5 Series, with climate controls and USB-C ports for rear passengers. The trunk space was 13.5 cubic feet, more than a CT5 or Mercedes E-Class but less than a 5 Series. The A6 featured a conventional trunk with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series featured a massive curved-screen display with a 12.3-inch driver's screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The interface was primarily touchscreen-driven, with iDrive 8.5 software offering a smartphone-like experience. The system included a voice assistant and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface was more frustrating than competitors. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo was standard, with an optional 40-speaker system. The 31.3-inch theater screen for rear passengers was impressive but blocked the rearview mirror.

The 2026 Audi A6 introduced the Digital Stage setup with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen. An optional 10.9-inch front-passenger touchscreen was available. The latest MMI infotainment system had oversimplified layouts, with improved voice recognition and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi planned to roll out a new interface with an integrated dashcam and a new steering wheel. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system featured headrest speakers for navigation directions.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared platform architecture with the BMW 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 7 Series offered standard active safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional packages added surround view monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and partially automated driving assistance.

The 2026 Audi A6 came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitors. Premium Plus and Prestige trims included a park-assist system, adaptive cruise assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The A6 lacked a hands-free driving system, and the lane-centering feature allowed some wobbling. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.