BMW M5 Touring
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Audi RS 6 Avant performance
The same wagon body, but with a strikingly contrasting stance
BMW M5 Touring
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
BMW M5 Touring
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
In the Japanese market, the new M5 has the same price tag of 20.48 million yen for both the Sedan and Touring. For customers who choose the M5 Touring, the Audi RS 6 Avant Performance, a German-made high-performance wagon in the same segment, is sure to be of interest.
In terms of size, the M5 Touring is 101mm longer, 10mm wider, and 31mm taller than the RS 6 Avant Performance. While the RS 6 Avant Performance sits low, the M5 Touring has a more voluminous and dignified stance. Furthermore, in terms of vehicle weight, the M5 Touring, which is equipped with a large battery for the plug-in hybrid system, is 290kg heavier than the RS 6 Avant Performance.
BMW M5 Touring
Body size = Length 5096mm x Width 1970mm x Height 1516mm
Wheelbase = 3006mm
Vehicle weight = 2490kg
Tire size = 285/40R20 (front), 295/35R21 (rear)
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
Body size = Length 4995mm x Width 1960mm x Height 1485mm
Wheelbase = 2925mm
Vehicle weight = 2200kg
Tire size = 275/35R21
The latest hybrid beats large-displacement turbos
BMW M5 Touring
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
BMW M5 Touring
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
The M5 Touring is equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo gasoline engine and a specially developed plug-in hybrid powertrain. With the assistance of a motor, the system boasts a maximum output of 727 PS and a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm. The RS 6 Avant Performance, on the other hand, is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo gasoline engine, which is 30 PS more powerful than the standard RS 6, reaching a maximum output of 630 PS and a maximum torque of 850 Nm.
The M5 Touring outperforms the RS 6 Avant Performance by nearly 100 PS and 250 Nm in maximum torque. Its top speed is also 25 km/h faster. However, the RS 6 Avant Performance, taking advantage of its lighter weight, surprisingly beats the M5 Touring by 0.1 seconds in 0-100 km/h acceleration.
BMW M5 Touring
Engine type = V8 twin turbo + motor
Displacement = 4394cc
Maximum output = 727PS / 6000rpm
Maximum torque = 1000Nm / 1800-5400rpm
Transmission = Electronically controlled 8-speed AT
Drive system = AWD
Top speed = 305km/h
0-100km/k acceleration = 3.5 seconds
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
Engine type = V8 twin turbo + 48V mild hybrid
Displacement = 3996cc
Maximum output = 630PS / 6000rpm
Maximum torque = 850Nm / 2300-4500rpm
Transmission = 8-speed Tiptronic (AT)
Drive system = AWD
Top speed = 280km/h
0-100km/k acceleration = 3.4 seconds
An “ultra-high performance” wagon that doesn’t sacrifice practicality
BMW M5 Touring
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
BMW M5 Touring
Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
Both models inherit the practicality of the base 5 Series and A6 Avant, with a living space that can comfortably accommodate five adults in both the front and rear seats. The M5 Touring’s luggage capacity is 500 liters under normal conditions, which expands to 1,630 liters by folding down the rear seats. The RS 6 Avant Performance has a spacious 565 liters under normal conditions, which expands to 1,680 liters by folding down the rear seats.
While the M5 is available in sedan and station wagon touring versions, the RS 6 does not have a 4-door sedan option, although it does have a 5-door fastback “RS 7 Sportback” as its sibling model. The A6, on which the RS 6 is based, has undergone a full model change, and initially only the “A6 e-tron” equipped with a fully electric powertrain was available, but gasoline and diesel models were added in March 2025. At this time, there has been no announcement of any new “RS 6” models, but it will be interesting to see whether they will be BEVs or based on ICE engines like the M5.
