Audi A6 Takes Down BMW 540i in Head-to-Head Test

[Source: Car and Driver]

The Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series have been battling for executive sedan supremacy for decades. Car and Driver recently brought the latest versions together to see which German luxury sedan comes out on top. Not only did the Audi win, but it is widening the gap from the BMW.

The all-new 2026 Audi A6 quattro faced off against the 2026 BMW 540i xDrive in a comparison covering everything from acceleration and handling to comfort, technology, and everyday usability. When all the scores were tallied, the Audi won by 12 points. That’s considerably more decisive than the last time Car and Driver put these rivals head-to-head in 2017, when the A6 prevailed by just one point.

The BMW did have an advantage under the hood. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six produces 375 horsepower, while the Audi’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generates 362 horsepower. Although the Audi does have a slight torque advantage, 406 pound-feet versus 398 for the BMW. Both send power to all four wheels, with the Audi using a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

At the test track, those extra horses helped the BMW. The 540i reached 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. The A6 wasn’t far behind, recording 4.3 and 12.9 seconds, respectively. In other words, nobody is going to accuse either executive sedan of being slow.

The test track, however, only tells part of the story. Afterall, when was the last time you took your A6 to the drag strip? Car and Driver praised the BMW’s powertrain, but found the A6 more engaging from behind the wheel. The publication criticized the BMW’s disconnected steering and muted chassis while praising the Audi’s steering feedback, predictable brake pedal and available air suspension.

That suspension proved particularly impressive. Comfort mode delivered the kind of plush ride you’d expect from a luxury sedan, while the firmer setting gave the A6 more composure when the road became interesting.

The Audi scored points inside as well. Neither car escaped criticism for relying heavily on screens, but Car and Driver found the A6’s infotainment system more straightforward and intuitive. The Audi’s optional sport seats also received praise for combining long-distance comfort with the support needed during more enthusiastic driving. By comparison, the BMW’s front seats were criticized for their stiff cushioning.

The A6 even delivered a surprise at the fuel pump. During Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Audi returned an impressive 38 mpg. That is good enough for an impressive 730 miles of cruising range.

The BMW ultimately proved slightly quicker and Car and Driver preferred its powertrain. But an executive sedan needs to do more than win a drag race. It needs to be comfortable during a long highway drive, enjoyable when the road gets twisty, easy to live with every day, and quick enough to put a smile on your face when you put your foot down.

According to Car and Driver, the new A6 simply does more of those things better. The conclusion was that Audi’s combination of comfort, engaging dynamics, intuitive technology, and strong performance made it the superior executive sedan. Nine years ago, the A6 beat the 540i by a single point. This time, it wasn’t nearly as close.