Audi
e-tron GT
Owner report available
BMW
i5
Owner report available
Audi e-tron GT vs BMW i5
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW i5 comes out ahead of the Audi e-tron GT on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
e-tron GT
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving enjoyment and significant reliability concerns. The vehicle is widely praised by automotive enthusiasts for its high performance, handling, and vehicle dynamics, often mentioned alongside the Porsche Taycan as a benchmark for performance electric vehicles. However, long-term owner reports reveal a pattern of severe and frequent electronic and software issues that can render the car unreliable and difficult to repair.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. One owner reported purchasing a '22 GT Prestige trim with Leather and Performance packages, finding it to represent significant value on the used market.
Known issues
- Severe electronic/software glitches: includes inability to register main user, random charging failures, failures of front warning/measurement systems, spoiler extension/retraction failures, and surrounding camera failures.
- High-voltage system and drivetrain faults: includes "Electrical system malfunction" warnings, drive system faults leading to limp mode (50% power limit), four-wheel drive faults, and errors pointing to battery management or motor control m…
- Poor dealer service and part scarcity: lengthy repair times, only one trained technician per dealer, inability to diagnose or fix recurring software issues, lack of available updates from Audi to address known problems.
i5
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear distinction between praise for its luxury, comfort, and refinement, and criticism for its driving dynamics, software reliability, and platform origins. The vehicle is consistently described as a comfortable, quiet, and well-built luxury sedan with a premium interior feel, superior sound deadening, and a smooth ride. It is favorably compared to its sibling, the i4, for being more refined, spacious, and feeling like a more purposefully engineered electric vehicle.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The M60 performance variant is mentioned but receives criticism for its handling.
Known issues
- Software glitches and system failures: includes complete audio system failure (no sound from any source), iDrive screen going blank/not booting, personal assistant malfunctions, and general bugginess. Frequency: recurrent.
- Digital Key/Phone-as-Key unreliability: failures to unlock or start the vehicle, potentially leaving the owner stranded, requiring a physical key as a backup. Frequency: recurrent.
- Handling and driving dynamics: described as feeling like a "boat," with noticeable understeer, lack of agility, and steering that lacks feedback and precision compared to expectations for BMW or rivals like Porsche. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The BMW i5 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Audi e-tron GT, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Audi e-tron GT is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi e-tron GT or the BMW i5?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi e-tron GT and the BMW i5. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi e-tron GT or the BMW i5?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi e-tron GT is classed as a Grand Tourer, the BMW i5 as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi e-tron GT or the BMW i5?
The EPA rates the 2024 Audi e-tron GT at 85 MPGe combined and the 2027 BMW i5 at 91–116 MPGe, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi e-tron GT or the BMW i5?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi e-tron GT than the BMW i5. See the known issues comparison above.