Spec Comparison: Audi A6 vs BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Audi has launched the new-generation A6 sedan in India at Rs 54.20 lakhs (ex-showroom). The latest Four Rings is available in two trim levels but only one petrol engine option. The A6 is first of the many new Audis slated to arrive in India. Let us take a detailed look at how the new A6 stacks up against its direct rivals namely – Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.  

Exterior and design: 

The A6, like all Audis, has an evolutionary styling. You could mistake it for a scaled-down A8, but there are some distinctive features such as sharper headlamps, a squat stance and a long silhouette. And the new A6 is based on the Volkswagen’s MLB platform which also underpins a plethora of cars under VW Group umbrella. However, the Russian-doll design philosophy might not be to everyone’s liking.  

In comparison, the 5 Series looks a lot sportier with its sleek headlamps, long bonnet and sharp body creases. Even the rear gets a taut tailgate and a sporty diffuser. Rounding off its sporty demeanour are those M-spec alloy wheels which not only look handsome but also complement well with the 5 Series’ stance. On the other hand, the E-Class, with its long wheelbase body style, looks exactly like an S-Class.  

The new A6 measures 4933x1874x1455mm compared to BMW’s 4936x1868x1479mm and E-Class’ 5063x1860x1494mm. And the wheelbases are 2912mm, 2975mm and 3079mm, respectively.  

Interior and features: 

On the inside, the A6 has moved to a fully digital dashboard thanks to the three massive screens – the first Audi in India to do so. The upper screen has Audi’s latest MMI system while the lower screen is for climate control and other interior functions. In terms of space, the cabin length is up by 21 mm, rear legroom by 17 mm, and there's more headroom - 8mm in front and 11 mm at the rear, over the previous generation. 

The BMW’s fashion of using the same cabin across the range continues here in the 5 Series. All the controls and functions are in the same place like before and are instantly usable. One ace up the 5’s sleeve is the gesture control which is unique to the BMW. Correspondingly, the E-Class has a luxurious cabin with the MBUX screen running across the dashboard.  

In terms of essential features, all three models are roughly on the same page. You get the usual – electrically adjustable seats, multi-zone climate control, infotainment system with large display, and plush leather upholstery. Since the owners of these cars will be chauffeured around more often, there’s also ample headroom and knee room in the rear seats.  

Powertrain: 

Audi is offering the new A6 with a BS-VI emission compliant 2.0-litre petrol engine in the 45TFSI guise. This engine produces 245bhp/370Nm and is mated to a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission sending power to the front wheels.  

The 5 Series has three powertrain choice, a 2.0-litre diesel making 188bhp/400Nm and a 2.0-litre petrol with 248bhp/350Nm. Also on offer is a 3.0-litre straight-six in M-Sport guise punching out 261bhp/620Nm. The Mercedes-Benz is available with a 194bhp/320Nm 2.0-litre petrol and 192bhp/400Nm 2.0-litre diesel. The 350d is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six putting out 255bhp and 620Nm.