News > 22 September 2025
BMW M5 vs Audi RS6 vs Mercedes-AMG E63: Market Value Trends & Collector Insights
The German super-sedan rivalry doesn’t get bigger than this: the BMW M5, Audi RS6, and Mercedes-AMG E63. Across decades, these cars have fused family-car practicality with supercar performance — and now, many of them are appreciating collector assets.
Using CarClimb’s sold-data Market Values, we compare the three titans to uncover which has proven the best buy over time.
The 1990s: BMW M5 Leads the Way
The BMW M5 E34 and E39 set the benchmark for 1990s performance sedans. The E39, in particular, with its high-revving 4.9L V8, is widely regarded as one of BMW M’s finest creations. Today, CarClimb’s sold data places E39 values comfortably above $30k median for clean examples.
Meanwhile, Audi had yet to unleash the RS6, and Mercedes was still building AMG versions of the E-Class in smaller numbers. In this decade, the M5 stood alone as the king of the sports saloon.
The 2000s: Audi RS6 Arrives, Mercedes Finds Its Voice
The 2000s saw the rivalry truly ignite.
- BMW M5 E60 (2005–2010): Known for its screaming V10 engine, the E60 remains a divisive but iconic choice. Values hover in the low-to-mid $20k range, making it the most affordable M5 of the modern era.
- Audi RS6 C5 (2002–2004): The first RS6 brought twin-turbo V8 power and Quattro traction. Collectors are increasingly chasing these, with medians now climbing towards $40–50k, especially for Avant models.
- Mercedes E55/E63 AMG (W211): Supercharged V8s gave Mercedes brutal straight-line pace. Early E63 values remain modest — typically in the $20–30k range — making them a sleeper buy for those who want AMG thunder without the RS6 price tag.
The 2010s: Wagon Wars & Turbocharged Power
By the 2010s, all three brands had found their stride.
- BMW M5 F10: Twin-turbo V8 power pushed the M5 into the supercar league. Values today sit around $32k median, making it a bargain considering the performance on offer.
- Audi RS6 C6/C7: The RS6 Avant became the poster child for fast family haulers. CarClimb’s data shows $75.7k median in the last 36 months — more than double the M5 and E63. Rare colors and low-mileage cars often soar higher.
- Mercedes-AMG E63 (W212): Available as sedan or wagon, and with optional 4MATIC in later years, the E63 matured into a true all-rounder. Current medians hover at $36.6k, sitting neatly between the M5 and RS6.
The 2020s: The Latest Iterations
- BMW M5 F90: Still turbocharged V8 power, but with xDrive all-wheel drive. Early resale data suggests values holding in the $70–90k band, depending on spec.
- Audi RS6 C8: The definitive performance wagon of today, with values consistently in the six-figure territory, and medians north of $100k for recent sales.
- Mercedes-AMG E63 S (W213): Brutal twin-turbo V8 performance, with 4MATIC+ traction. Market medians remain around $60–70k, offering a relative value play against the RS6.
Final Takeaways: Which is the Best Buy Right Now?
- Best Value: BMW M5 F10 (~$32k) – incredible performance per dollar, undervalued compared to rivals.
- Collector Darling: Audi RS6 Avant (C7/C8) – medians around $75k+, with strong demand and appreciation potential.
- Sleeper Mercedes AMG: E63 AMG (W212) (~$36k) – blends everyday usability with AMG character, still affordable versus RS6.
- Blue-Chip Icons: BMW E39 M5 and Audi RS6 C5 Avant are already cemented as modern classics with strong long-term upside.
BMW M5 vs Audi RS6 vs Mercedes-AMG E63 – Market Value Comparison now in the CarClimb app.
