BMW leads in performance and driving dynamics with more powerful engine options and sharper handling, while Audi excels in interior technology and refinement with superior infotainment systems and quieter cabins. Both are premium German luxury brands with similar pricing, but differ in their engineering philosophy and target buyer preferences.
BMW vs Audi — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German performance luxury brand emphasizing sporty handling, responsive steering, and driver engagement.
German luxury brand emphasizing refined technology, quietness, and seamless infotainment integration.
Engine Performance (3-Series vs A4). 0-60 mph Time (M440i vs 40 TFSI). Interior Noise Level at 70 mph. Infotainment System Quality. Starting Price (2026 Model Year). Fuel Efficiency (3-Series vs A4). Warranty Coverage
Choose BMW if you prioritize spirited driving, responsive handling, and performance-oriented engineering—the M Sport models deliver genuine thrills. Choose Audi if you value serene ride quality, cutting-edge infotainment, quiet cabins, and slightly better fuel economy—the brand appeals to tech-forward luxury buyers seeking refinement over sportiness.
BMW: New 3-Series, refreshed 7-Series, ALPINA B7 | Audi: N/A
BMW: Sport-oriented handling | Audi: N/A
BMW: Silicon carbide inverters on i4 | Audi: N/A
BMW: 15+ models including new i3 sedan | Audi: N/A
BMW: iDrive 8.5 with gesture recognition | Audi: MMI with AI voice control
BMW: XM: 523 hp redesigned | Audi: Q7 TFSI e: 456 hp
BMW: i4: 301 miles with new tech | Audi: Q4 e-tron: 275 miles
BMW: i4: 108 MPGe with silicon carbide tech | Audi: Q4 e-tron: 105 MPGe estimated
BMW: M440i: 3.9 seconds | Audi: RS models: 3.6 seconds
BMW: Nappa leather, advanced ambient tech | Audi: Premium leather, ambient lighting
BMW: 5-star equivalent modern systems | Audi: 5-star equivalent modern systems
BMW: 6+ models including redesigned X5 | Audi: 5 SUVs (Q2, Q3, Q4, Q7, Q9)
BMW: iDrive: 1920x720 | Audi: Virtual Cockpit Plus: 1920x720
BMW: i4 eDrive40 (18-inch wheels) | Audi: N/A
BMW: Premium traditional, physical controls, luxury materials | Audi: N/A
BMW: Quarterly scheduled updates | Audi: N/A
BMW: Level 2 with advanced driver assistance | Audi: N/A
BMW: BMW home charging with faster technology (2026) | Audi: N/A
BMW: 382 hp (B58 3.0L turbo) | Audi: N/A
BMW: Leather trim with high-quality plastics | Audi: N/A
BMW: 301 miles (iX xDrive50) | Audi: N/A
BMW: 12.3 (iDrive) | Audi: 10.1-12.3 inches
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
BMW: 382 hp (M440i xDrive) | Audi: 261 hp (40 TFSI)
BMW: 72 dB @ 70 mph | Audi: 68 dB @ 70 mph
BMW: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Audi: 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW: 0.15s (8-speed automatic) | Audi: N/A
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
BMW: N/A | Audi: 12.3-inch MMI (top models)
BMW: N/A | Audi: 7.0 L/100km (A4 40 TFSI)
BMW vs Audi — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for BMW vs Audi. Contains 108 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
BMW vs Audi — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for BMW vs Audi.
Which brand holds its value better, BMW or Audi?
BMW retains approximately 60% of its value after 5 years, compared to Audi's 58%, according to Kelley Blue Book 2026 data. However, the difference is minimal (2%), and both brands perform well in luxury vehicle resale markets. BMW M models tend to hold value slightly better than standard models.
Is Audi's infotainment really better than BMW's?
Yes, Audi's MMI system scores 9.5/10 in user satisfaction surveys versus BMW's iDrive 8 at 9/10. MMI offers more intuitive menu navigation and quicker access to frequently used features. However, BMW's iDrive is catching up in recent updates and remains highly capable; the choice depends on personal preference for interface design.
Which brand is more reliable, BMW or Audi?
Both brands achieve similar reliability ratings: BMW averages 4.1/5 on J.D. Power dependability index while Audi scores 4.0/5 for 2026 models. Maintenance costs favor Audi at ~$900/year versus BMW's ~$1,200/year. Regular servicing at authorized dealers is recommended for both to maintain warranty coverage.
Is the BMW M440i worth the extra $500 over the Audi 40 TFSI?
That depends on priorities. The M440i delivers 46% more horsepower (382 hp vs 261 hp) and 1.5 seconds faster 0-60 performance. If performance matters, yes—it's worth the premium. If comfort and refinement matter more, the Audi's quieter cabin and superior infotainment justify the $500 savings.
Both BMW and Audi offer identical warranty coverage: 4 years/50,000 miles. The warranties are tied and among the more competitive in the luxury segment. Extended warranty packages are available from both manufacturers to cover years 5-6.
Consider: Engine Performance (3-Series vs A4)
Engine Performance (3-Series vs A4): BMW has 382 hp M440i xDrive, while Audi has 261 hp 40 TFSI.
Consider: 0-60 mph Time (M440i vs 40 TFSI)
0-60 mph Time (M440i vs 40 TFSI): BMW has 4.7 seconds, while Audi has 6.2 seconds.
Consider: Interior Noise Level at 70 mph
Interior Noise Level at 70 mph: BMW has 72 dB, while Audi has 68 dB.
Infotainment System Quality: BMW has iDrive 8 (9/10 rating), while Audi has MMI 5 (9.5/10 rating).
Consider: Starting Price (2026 Model Year)
Starting Price (2026 Model Year): BMW has $45,900, while Audi has $45,400.
Consider: Fuel Efficiency (3-Series vs A4)
Fuel Efficiency (3-Series vs A4): BMW has 28 mpg combined, while Audi has 30 mpg combined.
Warranty Coverage: BMW has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Audi has 4 years/50,000 miles.