BMW vs Audi: Which is better, faster & reliable? In BMW vs Audi, Choosing...
Read MoreBMW M5 CS vs Audi RS7 Performance: Head to Head Comparison
If you search for high-performance sedans, the BMW M5 CS and Audi RS7 Performance often appear at the top. These cars mix speed with daily usability. Both come from German brands known for engineering. The M5 CS is a limited-edition model from 2022. It focuses on track performance. The RS7 Performance is from 2025-2026. It adds more power to the standard RS7. This comparison (BMW M5 CS VS Audi RS7 Performance) looks at design, interior, performance, handling, reliability, fuel use, and price.
“This blog may contain affiliate links, we may earn commission without any cost to you.”
Exterior Design: BMW M5 CS VS Audi RS7 Performance
The BMW M5 CS has a classic sedan shape. It measures 196.5 inches long, 74.9 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall. The wheelbase is 117.4 inches. BMW uses carbon fiber for the hood, roof, and splitter. This cuts weight to 4,114 pounds. The car sits low with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Gold-bronze accents stand out. The kidney grille is large but fits the aggressive look.
The Audi RS7 Performance uses a liftback design. It is 197.6 inches long, 76.8 inches wide, and 56 inches tall. The wheelbase is 115.3 inches. Audi adds carbon fiber mirrors and a rear diffuser. The weight is higher at 4,916 pounds. It has 22-inch wheels standard. The sloping roof gives a coupe-like profile. Quad exhaust tips show its power.
In build quality, both use premium materials. The BMW feels solid with tight panels. The Audi has a sleek hatch for more cargo access. For aerodynamics, the BMW has active flaps. The Audi uses a rear spoiler that deploys at speed. In terms of style, the M5 looks more aggressive. The RS7 appears more elegant.
Interior and Comfort:
Inside the BMW M5 CS, seats are for four people. Front seats use carbon fiber backs. They hold you well during turns. Leather and Alcantara cover surfaces. The dashboard has a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly. Rear seats fold for extra space. Cargo is 14 cubic feet.
The Audi RS7 Performance seats five. Front seats are heated and ventilated. They use Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching. The infotainment has a 10.1-inch upper screen and 8.6-inch lower screen. It includes a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit. Rear legroom is better due to the shape. Cargo starts at 24.6 cubic feet with seats up.
Both have premium audio. BMW uses Harman Kardon. Audi offers Bang & Olufsen. Safety features include adaptive cruise and lane keep in both. The Audi adds a head-up display standard. The BMW has more physical buttons for controls. If you carry passengers often, the Audi fits better. For a driver-focused cabin, the BMW is Bettter
| Feature | BMW M5 CS | Audi RS7 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 | 5 |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch | 10.1-inch + 8.6-inch |
| Cargo (seats up) | 14 cu ft | 24.6 cu ft |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon | Bang & Olufsen |
Engine & Performance: BMW M5 CS VS Audi RS7 Performance
The BMW M5 CS has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. It makes 627 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to all wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Zero to 60 mph takes 2.9 seconds. Top speed is 190 mph. In tests, it hits 100 mph in 6.9 seconds.
The Audi RS7 Performance uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. It produces 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. It also has an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Zero to 60 mph is 3.3 seconds official, but tests show 2.9 seconds. Top speed is 190 mph.
In drag races, the BMW often edges ahead. Watch this YouTube video for a direct comparison: BMW M5 CS vs. Audi RS7 Drag Race. The BMW wins by a small margin due to lower weight. Another video shows similar results: BMW M5 vs Audi RS7 Drag Race.
For track times, the BMW sets faster laps. At Sachsenring, the M5 CS does 1:32.38. The RS7 does 1:37.04. At Hockenheim GP, BMW is 1:52.40 versus Audi’s 1:57.30. See this comparison: BMW M5 CS Track Lap. The BMW’s lighter body helps in corners. The Audi’s extra torque pulls strong from low speeds.
The Audi builds boost early. In rolling races, the Audi catches up with higher torque. Check this video: New BMW M5 vs Audi RS7 Rolling Race.
Handling and Driving Dynamics:
The BMW M5 CS weighs less. This makes steering sharp. In turns, it shows neutral balance. Understeer happens if you push too hard on entry. The all-wheel drive helps pull out. Rear-wheel mode allows oversteer for drifts. Suspension is firm. It uses adaptive dampers. On rough roads, it bounces less than expected.
The Audi RS7 Performance is heavier by 800 pounds. This adds inertia in corners. Steering is precise but needs more effort to change direction. It understeers more in tight turns due to weight. The quattro system sends power to the rear for better exit grip. Optional dynamic ride control links shocks to reduce roll. On highways, it feels stable.
In tests, the BMW slaloms at 68.4 kph. The Audi is similar. For braking, BMW stops from 60 mph in 100 feet. Audi takes 105 feet. The lighter BMW changes direction quicker. Heavy weight in the Audi makes it push wide in corners. Both have ceramic brakes optional.
Reliability & Maintenance: BMW M5 CS vs Audi RS7 Performance
BMW M5 CS owners report good reliability with maintenance. The S63 engine holds up well. Some face injector issues on early models. See this forum thread: F90 M5 Reliability Discussion. Users say oil changes every 5,000 miles prevent problems. AC condenser leaks occur sometimes.
For the Audi RS7 Performance, turbo oil screens clog. This causes failures. Watch this video: Audi RS7 Turbo Oil Screen Issue. MMI software glitches happen. Check this forum: RS7 Reliability Concerns. Owners note rear differential leaks on low-mile cars.
Both need premium fuel and regular service. BMW offers four years/50,000 miles warranty. Audi matches it. Costs rise after warranty.
Fuel Economy and Practicality:
The BMW M5 CS gets 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 17 combined. Real-world tests show 18 mpg mixed.
The Audi RS7 Performance rates 14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, 17 combined. Owners report 21 mpg on trips.
Both use large tanks for range over 300 miles. The Audi’s hatch adds practicality. It carries more gear. The BMW suits four passengers well.
Pricing & Value: BMW M5 CS & Audi RS7 Performance
The BMW M5 CS started at $142,000. Used prices are around $140,000 now.
The Audi RS7 Performance starts at $130,700. As tested, it reaches $154,000.
The BMW holds value due to limited production. The Audi offers more features standard.
Conclusion: BMW M5 CS vs Audi RS7 Performance
In my opinion, they both are good cars. The BMW excels in speed and track use. And, the Audi provides more space and torque.