For many years, both BMW and Audi have had head-to-head competition in the auto market to become the number one car maker of luxury cars. Both brands are involved in building luxury cars but represent vehicles with distinct design, performance, and technology profiles. This article will distinguish between Audi vs BMW and help you make the best decision!
BMW Vs Audi – An Analysis
Regarding luxury cars, BMW and Audi are some of the best brands in terms of the quality and design of the vehicles they manufacture. However, several distinctions between the two brands would be interesting to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that set these two brands apart:
1. Maintenance Cost

BMW recently introduced free maintenance for all their new cars for the first 3 years or 36000 miles respectively. It involves oil and filter changes. However, a typical BMW car repair maintenance cost is about $17,800 within the first ten years of use, which is relatively expensive compared to other luxury automobiles.
On the other hand, Audi cars do not accompany complimentary maintenance to any vehicle it provides. This means that, on average, an Audi will set you back $ 12,400 in the first 10 years of car ownership. The car service costs of both BMW and Audi are considered very expensive compared to other brands. As for the maintenance costs, there is no lesser of the two evils.
2. Driving Experience
BMW utilizes its homegrown rear-wheel driving platforms, which are incorporated into all models. In addition to the X line-up and the i8 range, BMW applies this platform to all car models. The rear-wheel drive is impressive because of its architecture: it is proactive, balanced, and can handle well. It is deemed by most vehicle aficionados to work more effectively than Audi’s front wheel drive system. This is because the front wheel contributes an extra load to the front, even the tyres. This leads to inadequate control and slow movement of feet and legs.
The present Audi has one of the most developed all-wheel drive architectures. This system is called “Quattro,” which is satisfying about the driving handling, especially on irregular ground surfaces. You may have to pay for Quattro, but it is standard on their tier S and Q models. Thus, it would not be wrong to conclude that all these brands give a splendid drive.
3. Styling
The designs in BMW models are more assertive due to the famous emblematic grille. The set and structure of the cars are muscular, while the body and the interior appearance look like the Bentley. Ideal if you are in search of class and glamour. Determining which manufacturer has the upper hand regarding exterior design aspects is challenging. In essence, it all lies in the hands of the buyer.
Thus, Audi currently possesses a single generic look, which is sporty and discreet in all its models. If you are a classic, solid-sporty concept fan, you are welcome to Audi. When talking about interior styling, Audi does perfectly well. The interior has an understated center console and plush touch soft felt enhanced with metal inserts from the central Audi range. They are large and very comfortable to sit on for long periods, and the material used is up-market leather.
4. Technology
Old-fashioned round dials have been replaced with a transparent Audi MMI system for controlling multimedia in the Audi brand automobiles. With this system’s help, you can control everything from the sat-nav to radio and Bluetooth. Some of Audi’s latest models have an “MMI Touch” gadget interface, which is quite easy to manage. However, few people like the idea of the “touch screen” being a “touch” too close to while driving. On the whole, the functionality of the innovation is exceptional, and compensation boosts the drive.
In terms of tech systems, BMW has one of the best, the iDrive. The iDrive is a means of managing where you can control as
1. A rotary wheel mounted at the center of the console
2. Voice commands
3. Physical shortcut buttons
4. Touch-sensitive pad
Furthermore, the newest models of BMW, namely the Five and the Seven series, include adjustment by gesture control. The hand-held control key BMW has a digital display, which looks like a small touch panel on your key. This allows you to control many of the car’s functions without entering the vehicle. For instance, one can examine fuel levels, warm the interior area of the car, and even shut the windows while not actually in the vehicle.
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5. Performance
In terms of performance, BMW cars can deliver a far superior driving experience to an Audi. BMW concentrates particularly on making cars with high-quality power trains. Audi, like Volkswagen, share the same engines and other car components. They capture it as something that slightly erodes Audi’s brand equity. Surprisingly, BMW employs a rear-wheel drive system in most of its cars and SUVs. This is a plus, as it allows for quicker reaction and, most of all, better maneuverability.
However, Audi’s front-wheel-drive mechanism can be somewhat restrictive. These front-wheel-drive platforms on which Audi sedans are based shift the engine’s weight forward on the car’s frame. Due to this, there is ultra centrifugal force over the front tyres as the handling and response are sluggish.
Which One Is Worth Buying – Audi Vs BMW ?

This conflict between Audi vs BMW will never end. These two arch-strategic German rivals dominate this market segment; however, each has its fair share of similar market adulation and passion among car enthusiasts globally. Audi is in a better position than BMW regarding the number of technological options available and styling. But what BMW guarantees is that this will be a more comfortable, rugged driving experience. Audi has virtually the same safety features as BMW but slightly low reliability ratings. As for the price, there should be little difference between the models.
Conclusion
If you value sport-oriented handling and excellent steering, BMW will satisfy your interest and be safer. Audi is the one for you if you value comfort and a smoother ride. Therefore, it all comes down to choosing which brand personifies your identifier more. In any case, both car manufacturers, BMW and Audi, present model choices, so try out both vehicles and determine which model suits you best.
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FAQ’s
1. Which Brand Offers Better Performance: Audi or BMW?
Both are popular for performance, but they are distinct somehow. BMW primarily focuses on sporty performance with a specific reference to rear-wheel drive, whereas Audi pays much attention to all-wheel drive and provides very neutral handling.
2. Are Audis Cooler than BMWs?
The reliability of the two brands may differ from model to model and from one year to another; however, they are closely rated. The prospect of BMW holds a nuanced advantage in ABC bonded mill reliability over Audi, while Audi’s Quattro system improves general toughness in wretched climates.
3. Which Brand Has a Better Resale Value – Audi or BMW?
Generally, BMW retains a higher resale value than Audi. However, it is imperative to understand that the price consumers are willing to pay for a brand depends on the kind, model, year of manufacture, and overall condition of the car.
4. Are you paying more for maintenance, Audi or BMW?
They both have much higher maintenance costs than a regular car brand. While repairs may cost slightly more at BMW due to an engine repair costs, Audi’s Quattro system makes the drive train’s repairs pricier than usual.