BMW M4 xDrive drag races Audi RS5 in challenge of German muscle

Daniel Abt teams up with his pal who goes by Melteam online for a drag race between a BMW M4 xDrive and an Audi RS5 Coupe. See how these German performance models compare in a straight line.

The BMW M4 xDrive boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six making 503 bhp (375 kilowatts) and 479 pound-feet (650 Newton-metres) of torque. This all-wheel-drive version exclusively comes with an eight-speed automatic. The car weighs 1,775 kilograms (3,913 pounds).

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The Audi RS5 Coupe packs a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 making 444 bhp (331 kW) and 442 lb-ft (599 Nm) of torque. It runs through an eight-speed automatic. In addition to having a bit less power than the M4, the Audi also weighs more at 1,810 kilograms (3,990 pounds).

The drag races start with a little hiccup. Melteam is in the M4. She doesn't take off when the lights go out and hands an easy win to Abt in the Audi. 

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Next, they race 800 metres (0.4971 miles). This time, Malteam reacts to the lights, and both drivers have a strong start. With more power and less weight, the M4 scores a victory. The BMW completes the run in 17.7 seconds. The Audi requires 18.34 seconds to cover this distance.

They then do a second 800-metre race. The result is largely the same. The Audi has a slightly better start but not enough to take the win. This time, the M4 takes 17.61 seconds to cover the distance, and the RS5 requires 18.34 seconds, just like last time.

More RS5 and M3 drag races:

⠀ UK: Audi RS5, BMW M3 AWD, and Model 3 Performance meet for a drag race

⠀ BMW M3 meets Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63 Black Series in drag race

Finally, there's a rolling race. The M4 hangs up when shifting from third to fourth gear, and this gives the RS5 enough of an advantage to take the win. If it hadn't been for this issue, the BMW probably would have won.

BMW is currently working on the M4 CSL that adds even more performance to the coupe. It reportedly pushes the 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine to around 550 bhp (410 kW). In addition, the model allegedly loses about 100 kilograms (220 pounds) with changes like removing the rear seats. The M4 CSL reportedly debuts in May.