Audi RS5 v BMW M3: estates go head-to-head – car pictures of the week
In this week’s car pictures we look at the highlights from our highly anticipated estate head-to-head between Audi’s RS5 Avant, and the class favourite BMW M3 CS Touring
Audi had been going through a rough patch, confusing journalists and buyers alike with a bewildering (and temporary) range restructure, and launching very little new metal in the process. Now though, it seems it’s about to turn things around, launching the RS5 with outstanding looks and impressive numbers to go with it. In evo issue 350 we put it head-to-head with the class-leading BMW M3 Touring, and in this week’s car pictures page we look at the highlights from the test.
On looks alone, the Audi certainly has what it takes to battle with BMW. Its swollen arches and aggressive detailing are unmatched in the segment, giving it the presence of a car from the class above. The BMW here is the hardcore, range-topping CS but even so, these two are neck and neck in visual terms.
> Audi RS5 Review - the fast estate that takes the fight to BMW’s M3
Audi took a different approach to BMW when it comes to the powertrain, as while cylinder count and capacity are a near match at six, and around 3-litres each, the way in which these engines are integrated couldn't be any more different. The BMW is a purely combustion-powered car, a rarity in 2026, while the RS5 is a fully fledged plug-in hybrid with pure-electric driving capabilities. The result is that the Audi has considerably more power at 630bhp to the BMW's 543bhp, but it pays a price.
2370kg, to be precise. That's over 500kg more than the BMW thanks to the use of a huge 25.9kWh battery pack, which makes the Audi's power gains pale into insignificance. Nevertheless, our time in the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Lucid Air Sapphire and even the hybrid BMW M5 has proven that when properly managed, extra weight needn’t spell the end for an entertaining driving experience.
To find out how the two fare, pick up your copy of issue 350 in-store or online via the evo shop. To make sure you don’t miss the next issue, subscribe now to have exclusive subscriber’s issues sent straight to your door early.
