Spec comparison: 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift vs Audi A6

The BMW 5-Series is the most popular mid-size luxury sedan in its segment and BMW has given it a nip & tuck. The 5-Series goes against the E-Class globally but the long wheel E-Class sold here falls in a different ballpark. That leaves us with the Audi A6 as the closest rival to the new 5-Series. We pit both these mid-size luxury sedans to see which one takes the win on paper!

Dynamic photo,
Colour: Typhoon gray

BMW 5-Series LCI Vs Audi A6 - Design and Variants

BMW 5-Series LCI looks subtle over the pre-facelifted model and carries on with the range of petrol and diesel engine options. Talking about the changes, we get reworked headlights, new single-piece kidney grille and taillights along with a new set of alloy wheels. On the inside, it gets the latest iDrive system with a larger touch display. However, the overall layout remains the same as before. BMW offers the 5-Series in Luxury Line and M-Sport trim levels.

Audi India launched the new A6 in 2019 with fresh design and laden equipment. The new A6 features a large single-piece grille on the front and buyers can also opt for laser lights. Surprisingly, the new A6 doesn't offer air suspension in India, which was one of its USPs in the earlier models. The rear profile gets the new-age connected taillights design that has become a signature in Volkswagen group models. Talking of variants, the new A6 is offered in Premium Plus and Technology trims with a sole engine option.

Cockpit

BMW 5-Series LCI Vs Audi A6 - Engines and Features

Just like the pre-facelifted model, the 5-Series LCI is offered with 2.0-litre petrol (530i), 2.0-litre diesel (520d) and 3.0-litre diesel engine (530d) options. The power output for all the engine options remain the same as before - 252PS, 190PS and 265PS respectively. All three engines come mated to an 8-speed sport automatic gearbox. Talking of features, the new 5-Series LCI is offered with four zone climate control, 12.3-inch iDrive infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, 360-degree bird's eye view, gesture control, heads-up display, remote parking, reverse parking assist and a lot more.

Audi A6 is offered with a sole 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque. Unlike the 5-Series, the A6 takes use of an S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Talking of features of the A6, it offers two-zone climate control, twin MMI screens with haptics, virtual cockpit, lane departure warning and more. It is worth mentioning that the A6 is only offered with front-wheel-drive whereas the 5-Series uses the traditional rear-wheel-drive drivetrain.

BMW 5-Series LCI Vs Audi A6 - Prices

BMW has launched the 5-Series LCI at a starting price of Rs 62.90 lakh for the 530i M-Sport. The 520d Luxury Line and 530d M-Sport are priced at Rs 63.90 lakh and Rs 71.90 lakh respectively. Audi A6 comes with only two trim levels - Premium Plus at Rs 57.08 lakh and Technology at Rs 61.81 lakh. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, PAN India.

Text by Amit Saraswat