Two of the best-selling luxuries cars constantly competing for top honors in the mid-sized segment. In a corner, the Audi A6 returns for 2023 with a new standard infotainment system and the evergreen Quattro all-wheel drive system. In the other corner, the BMW 5 Series continues relatively unchanged compared to last year.
But both cars stand out from the crowd with their combination of performance, luxury, features and technology. for 2023, Motorcycle trend she has first and second place in the mid-size luxury class over stalwarts like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus ES and Volvo S90. The battle is fiercely fought every year, with the outcome decided by less than a point. This year, Audi surpasses BMW by a slim margin, and we’re about to find out why.
Performance and fuel economy – which luxury sedan has the advantage?
The Audi A6 from 2023 offers several engines, including a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder, an amazing V8 and a powerful V6 that combines the best of both worlds. All models come standard with Quattro AWD, inspiring confident driving on any road and in any weather. Performance ranges from 4.5 to 5.8 seconds 0 to 60 mph times for the four- and six-cylinder engines, which also deliver up to 32 mpg on the highway.
like Audi, BMW offers an economical four-cylinder, a powerful V8 and a six-in-line turbocharger. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The same powertrains and drives from the 2022 5 Series return for 2023. Performance is comparable to the Audi at 0 to 60 times in the 4.6 to 5.9 second range and fuel economy is estimated to be in the same area of 30 up to 32 mpg.
Where the Audi stands out is with the RS 6 Avant. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 591 hp and will knock the wind out of your body, in 3.1 seconds to 100 km / h. BMW has the M550i XDrive, which produces 523 horsepower from a twin-turbo 4.4 V8, but takes half a second longer to reach 100 km/h.
Benefit: Audi
Safety features and ratings – the 2023 Audi A6 got high marks
The 2023 Audi A6 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award thanks to its crash test scores and good headlight ratings. It also receives a five-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA.
New for 2023, made by Audi adaptive cruise control and Lane Keeping Aid as standard equipment with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beam. Also available are Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Cross Traffic Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.
By comparison, the 2023 BMW 5 Series received good ratings from the IIHS and is listed as a Top Safety Pick+. However, the 2023 5 Series got slightly lower marks in regards to the headlights and ease of use from LATCH.
Most of the 5 Series’ active safety features are part of the standard Active Driving Assistant package, including Lane Keeping Aid, automatic emergency braking, rear blind spot and traffic monitors, speed limit information and adaptive LED headlights with auto high beam. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and cross traffic alert are available as part of the Driving Assistance Plus package.
Benefit: Audi
Interior features and technology – could it be a tie?
Audi vehicles offer a mix of cool aesthetics and advanced technology, and the 2023 A6 is no different. Each new A6 model includes an infotainment system with a 10.1-inch center touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It integrates seamlessly with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, their 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Heads-up display, remote parking assist and 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio are also available on higher trim levels.
The 2023 BMW 5 Series includes most things you would expect as standard in a luxury car. It even comes with a standard 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a similarly sized instrument panel. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is available with standard 12 speakers or an upgrade to 16 speakers. Other options include a heads-up display and a range of M Sport equipment.
Benefit: Tie
Is the 2023 Audi A6 a good car?
Yes, the 2023 Audi A6 is a good car and deserves its top score from MotorTrend. It is well built with quality materials and a design that combines technology and luxury. The interior is quiet and serene, even when the A6 is put to the test. Ride quality is excellent, with responsive handling and braking.
Whichever trim level you choose, the A6 comes with Quattro AWD as standard. Audi pioneered four-wheel drive more than forty years ago and the Quattro system sets the standard for luxury cars. The system works seamlessly in the background to provide a firm grip on any surface and makes the A6 reassuring to drive in any weather.