Audi
A8
BMW
7 Series
Audi A8 vs BMW 7 Series: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi A8 offers fuel economy, while the BMW 7 Series excels at power instead. Choose the Audi A8 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the BMW 7 Series if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A8
Overall
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market. The D5 is frequently described as a "hovercraft" for its sublime, non-floating air suspension and is noted for being significantly lighter than its rivals due to its aluminum construction, contributing to better handling and fuel economy. Owner satisfaction is often tied to purchasing the vehicle as a lightly used or CPO example at a steep discount from MSRP, where its blend of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics presents a compelling alternative to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Best version to buy
For the D5 generation (2018+), a well-optioned example is highly recommended. Key desired options include the Executive Package (22-way seats with ventilation/massage, head-up display), Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist), dual-pane acoustic glass, the premium lighting package (HD Matrix LED, OLED taillights), and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Mild Hybrid System (Belt Starter Generator/BSG) failures: a known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Electronic gremlins: concerns over long-term reliability of complex infotainment, driver aids, and other electronic systems; some isolated reports of issues requiring multiple resets. Frequency: recurrent.
7 Series
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., E65, F01, G11/G12) highlight significant concerns regarding high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and expensive repairs as the vehicles age, particularly when professional labor is required. These models are described as "over-engineered" with components prone to failure, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific "best" trim or model year. One owner of a 2015 diesel model reported satisfaction with its fuel economy, but no consensus exists on optimal configurations.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts and labor, especially for electronic components and engine-related repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Complex electronic system failures: issues with control modules, sensors, and infotainment systems that are difficult and costly to diagnose and repair. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Engine reliability concerns: specific mention of complicated, over-engineered engines (e.g., N63) that are expensive to fix; turbochargers noted as costly bespoke items on performance variants. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi A8 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the BMW 7 Series, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the BMW 7 Series is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A8 or the BMW 7 Series?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 Series. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi A8 or the BMW 7 Series?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A8 or the BMW 7 Series?
The Audi A8 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.3 L/100km combined versus 12.8 L/100km for the BMW 7 Series, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A8 or the BMW 7 Series?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW 7 Series than the Audi A8. See the known issues comparison above.