Audi A6 e-tron vs BMW i5, German 'on tap' challenge

The rivalry between Audi and BMW is being renewed in electrics. The A6 (Sportback) and i5, the two 'travellers' par excellence, are now battery-powered, with versions that are particularly interesting in terms of technological equipment, style and mileage thanks to their cutting-edge powertrains.

We try to compare them in every aspect, from the exterior to the engines, without forgetting the interior and most importantly the list prices.

Exterior

The i5 shares practically everything on an aesthetic level with the combustion 5 Series, which has grown compared to the previous model, with a length increased by 97 mm to 5.06 m, a width of 1.90 m (+32 mm) and a height of 1.52 m (+36 mm).

The front end is aggressive, with an enlarged double kidney grille and slim, angled LED headlights, giving it a strong look. At the rear, horizontal headlights accentuate the feeling of width and stability. The differences from the combustion 5 Series lie in a few details, such as the front grille and rear diffuser, as well as the different styling of the alloy wheels. 

Audi A6 Sportback e-tron

BMW i5

At 4.93 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.45 metres high, the new Audi A6 e-tron faithfully echoes the lines of the concept of the same name presented in 2021, retaining the stylistic essence at the front and rear.

One notable aspect is the aerodynamic coefficient Cx of 0.21, among the lowest in its category. The look is sharp and takes up the aesthetic characteristics typical of the latest Audi models, such as the A5 and Q6 e-tron. There are subtleties such as retractable door handles and - as an optional extra - digital folding door mirrors, which can be viewed on two screens positioned on the inside pillar.

The wheels range from 19" to 21", while the lighting is meticulous, with LED matrix headlamps and second-generation OLED lights offering different light signatures. The rear light strip acts almost as a display, with 45 segments per panel to communicate warning signals to other cars, offering up to eight different light signatures front and rear.

---

---

Interior

The BMW is distinguished by a very minimalist interior. Centre stage is the BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 12.3-inch driving information screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment display running BMW OS 8.5. This system integrates the AirConsole platform to allow passengers to play video games while the car is stationary.

Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, the interior

Climate control is operated via the BMW Interaction Bar, a touch bar in the centre dashboard similar to the one found in the 7 Series. In terms of upholstery, BMW offers numerous customisation options through the BMW Individual programme, and the focus on sustainability is evident with the use of 'vegan' leather for all upholstery.

Among the driver assistance systems is Active Lane Change with Gaze Assist, which allows lane changes by simply looking in the desired direction; the car, when checked for safety, will perform the lane change autonomously.

The boot has a capacity of 490 litres, some 30 litres less than the combustion model.

The interior of the Audi features a 11.9-inch tilted panoramic display for the Virtual Cockpit, combined with a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen. There is also an additional 10.9-inch display dedicated to the front passenger and a head-up display with augmented reality. All these devices are operated by the Android Automotive OS.

BMW i5, the interior

On the A6 e-tron we also find a new interaction light on the dashboard, which indicates the battery charge status and other useful information. Voice control governed by ChatGPT integration.

On board, there is also a panoramic glass roof with transparency adjustment and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with speakers integrated in the headrests, for an enveloping and personalised sound experience.

The boot has a capacity of between 502 and 1,422 litres and includes a 27-litre front compartment that is practical for storing charging cables and can be opened at the touch of a button on the sheet metal.

Engines

The engine range of the A6 Sportback e-tron starts with the rear-engined version with 367 PS and 565 Nm of torque, which allows a 0-62 mph sprint in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.

At the top of the list is the S6 e-tron, which adds an asynchronous motor on the front axle, for a combined power output of 503 PS and 865 Nm. This version is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 149 mph. Then there is the intermediate model with all-wheel drive and 428 PS and 580 Nm, with a 0-62 mph sprint of 4.7 seconds and a range of 445 miles.

All models are equipped with a 94.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, with a range exceeding 466 miles for the basic A6 e-tron. Recharging supports a maximum power output of 270 kW, making it possible to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 21 minutes and gain 193 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Recently, versions with a 75.8 kWh battery combined with a rear engine with 286 PS and 435 Nm have been added. The claimed range is 382 miles.

Audi A6 Sportback e-tron

BMW i5 M60

The i5 is available in three variants, all with an 81.2 kWh battery. The eDrive40 version has a rear-mounted electric motor developing 340 PS and 430 Nm of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph. The maximum range is 362 miles according to the WLTP cycle. The BMW i5 xDrive40, on the other hand, is all-wheel-drive, has 394 PS and travels up to 334 miles.

The highest-performance variant is the M60 xDrive, equipped with two electric motors generating a combined power output of 601 PS and 795 Nm (rising to 820 Nm with the M Sport Boost or Launch Control function), enabling it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and touch a top speed of 230 mph. Range, in this case, is 321 miles.

As far as charging is concerned, the BMW i5 supports a maximum power output of 11 kW in AC, which can be increased to 22 kW with an optional package. In direct current (DC), the car can receive up to 205 kW, adding 97 miles of range in about 10 minutes.

Prices

The Audi A6 e-tron Sportback price list starts at £63,275 for the 326 PS variant, which can only be had with rear-wheel drive. Moving up the range we find the S6 quattro Sport attitude at the top at £98,275.

The i5 has a base price of £67,695 for the 340 PS rear-wheel drive version and goes up to £97,745 for the 601 PS M60 xDrive.

Getting to know the rivals better:

Audi A6 e-tron: New entry-level models with rear-wheel drive in UK announced

Audi A6 e-tron in a competitive comparison with BMW and Mercedes

New BMW 5 Series Touring on sale in the UK, pricing released

BMW i5 and VW ID.7: Estate versions compared

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team