The age-old rivalry between BMW M and Audi RS is evolving rapidly and in 2025, it has never been more nuanced. Where once BMW was the rear wheel drive maestro and Audi reigned supreme with quattro, both brands have shifted dramatically, blending technologies and strategies to appeal to a performance hungry audience.
Over the past few years, BMW has introduced M xDrive, a bespoke, intelligently managed all wheel drive system, to models like the M3 and M4 Competition, as well as the M5, M8 and XM. This setup doesn’t merely split torque front to back; it’s fully variable and rear biased, preserving the hallmarks of BMW’s dynamic, driver focused identity while adding traction, speed, and confidence at the limit. Real world numbers support this. The BMW M3 Competition xDrive drops the 0 to 60 mph time by about 0.7 seconds compared to the rear drive model, going from 3.5 to 2.8 seconds.
But it’s not all top tier. BMW’s so called M Lite models, like the M340i and M240i, deliver outstanding performance in more accessible packages. The M340i xDrive, for instance, packs a 3.0 litre B58 inline six with around 380 horsepower, delivering instant throttle response and an engaging soundtrack. Even smaller variants like the M135i xDrive offer sub five second 0 to 62 mph times and honed chassis dynamics, proving that you don’t need a full M badge to get real fun.
On the other side, Audi has leaned on its S range such as the S4, S5, S6 and S7 as stepping stones toward RS. These models have become more accessible, sometimes opting for diesel based TDI powertrains, particularly in Europe, offering torque rich, efficient alternatives to petrol RS models. They lack the raw edge of RS variants but serve as perfectly capable entrants into Audi’s performance hierarchy.
Perhaps the most vivid illustration of this evolving rivalry came in a Carwow drag race where Mat Watson lined up an Audi RS6 Avant against a BMW M3 Touring. Despite a significant price and size difference, the lighter M3 Touring emerged victorious. That result wasn’t a fluke. It highlighted how BMW’s chassis focused approach, combined with xDrive, can outperform Audi’s brute power in real world high performance scenarios.
So which do you choose?
If you want pedigree, drama, and the peak of traction technology, go for BMW M xDrive models like the M3 or M4 Competition or the flagship XM or M8. You’ll benefit from razor sharp handling, lightning fast launches, and an underlying rear wheel drive soul.
If you prefer refined performance without full fat M price tags, the M340i, M240i, and M135i deliver torque rich, agile, luxurious performance that is easily driven daily and thrilling when provoked.
If you are an Audi loyalist who values quattro and under the radar performance, the S range offers torque laden performance and all wheel drive confidence. They are great stepping stones toward RS, even if they lack the edge of full fat RS cars.
For ultimate performance, the RS range including the RS4, RS6, RS7, and RS Q8 remains formidable. Still, the BMW M lineup faces them head on with true credibility.
The lines between BMW M and Audi RS have blurred but their core characters remain. BMW brings dynamic finesse, especially with xDrive, while Audi sticks close with quattro backed authority. Don’t underestimate the M Lite variants. They are serious contenders on their own. For adrenaline, practicality, and engineering finesse, the BMW M3 Touring versus RS6 duel might just be the most telling example yet.
Leave a comment