BMW‘s new long-legged 520d ED throws down a low-CO2 challenge to Audi‘s A6, but does it trade fun for ultimate frugality?

EVEN BEFORE THE recession, company car users were prone to a spot of belt-tightening. Audi’s A6 2.0 TDI has always been a tempting executive choice thanks to its C02 emissions of 129g/km and economy of more than 55mpg. Now it faces a daunting challenge in the shape of the BMW 520d ED, which trumps the Audi with 119g/km and 6ompg-plus.

Which can put the bigger smile on the face of its driver, and the company accountant?

BMW 520d ED

For: Super economy; low tax liability; good to drive
Against: Needs options; gearing limits flexibility
Verdict: Unbeatable is today’s economic climate

 

BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

Audi A6

For: Well specified; classy interior; flexible engine
Against: Not as economical or good to drive as 520d
Verdict: A fine car in its own right, but shaded here

 

Audi A6

Audi A6

What are they like inside?

Both offer acres of space. Only drivers well over six-feet tall need have any concerns about leg- or headroom. Generous seat and steering wheel adjustment means pretty much anyone can get comfortable in either car. The BMW does feel slightly less roomy because of its higher console.

In the back, the two cars really show their executive credentials. Both take three six-footers in complete comfort, with huge amounts of head- and legroom.

 

BMW 5 Series Interior

BMW 5 Series Interior

Both cars have very decent luggage capacities, but the Audi has the edge with a much wider boot and 60/40 split rear seats as standard. These are a L375 option on the BMW.

The Audi also has a very slight lead in quality, although both BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI systems allow easy control of the various function, such as air-con, audio and lights.

Audi A6 Interior

Audi A6 Interior

What are they like to drive?

As you would expect, both cars make fine executive expresses. At 7omph in top gear, neither is running at more than 2000rpm. Occupants are whisked along the motorway in superb refinement.

The most obvious difference is that the Audi offers more flexible performance. The BMW’s longer ‘economy’ gearing hampers it in in-gear performance tests. You’ll find yourself staying in a lower gear for longer in the 520d, and its sixth gear rarely comes into play on non-motorway roads.

Don’t think that means the BMW is slow, though. On the contrary, it still gets to 6omph in less than nine seconds and feels punchy as long as you keep the revs above lyoorpm. The Audi is slightly more relaxing simply because it demands fewer gearchanges, but the BMW is still a fine car.

It’s certainly the better car away from the motorway. Even though our test car came without the Variable Damper Control (VDC), which so improves the 5 Series’ ride and handling, the 52od still felt the more composed of the two cars. It was sharper through the bends, too, with more steering feel.

In the Audi, you’re more often aware of your body shifting around in the driver’s seat, which can become irritating.

 

BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

Will they break the bank?

Anyone contemplating either car will probably be considering it as a company car choice. In this case the BMW is clearly ahead.

Although its emissions are just log/km below the Audi’s, that puts it five tax bands lower in 2011/12, giving a monthly saving of almost L50 for a 40% taxpayer. That gap will close as time passes, but the BMW still has a two-band advantage in 2012/13 and 2013/14. Adding the L985 VDC to the BMW will cost 40% taxpayers an extra L4 per month, so it’s well worth it.

The Audi is cheaper to lease (L412 against the BMW’s L481), but in other respects the two cars are almost identical. Both enjoy strong residual values and are available with similar discounts.

According to our figures, which take into account all the costs involved in a typical three-year ownership period, there’s nothing to choose between the two on running costs. The BMW is cheaper to fuel and tax, but it’s dearer to insure and service.

You won’t want for kit in either car, but it’s worth noting that the Audi has sat-nav as standard. It’s a L1580 option on the BMW.

 

Audi A6

Audi A6

Our verdict

This is a test that’s won and lost on a calculator. Company car users would be delighted by either car, but the BMW’s tax and economy advantages make it a clear winner before you even turn a wheel. The fact that it’s also the better car to drive merely reinforces its victory.

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