Audi 100 CS vs BMW 525i: The Surprising Advantage That Matters Most

The new generation Audi 100 enters the market positioned between the traditional luxury of Mercedes-Benz and the driver-centric focus of BMW. The range consists of three variants: the base 100, the mid-range 100S, and the top-tier 100CS. All three utilize a front-wheel-drive layout powered by a new 2.8-litre V6 engine. Powertrain and Performance The shift to a V6 architecture replaces the previous five-cylinder units. This engine produces 172 hp at 5,500 rpm and 184 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. A dual-path intake manifold is used to balance power delivery across the rev range, maintaining steady pull from low speeds through to the top end. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. For the 100CS, the manufacturer claims an acceleration time of 8.4 seconds to 100 km/h with the manual gearbox, and 9.9 seconds for the automatic. The top speed is rated at 217 km/h (135 mph).