Audi
e-tron
Owner report available
BMW
i4
Owner report available
Audi e-tron vs BMW i4
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW i4 comes out ahead of the Audi e-tron 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
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, heavily dependent on the specific model and purchase context. For the e-tron SUV/Sportback (now Q8 e-tron), long-term owner reports are generally positive regarding its exceptional comfort, quiet ride, luxurious interior, and real-world reliability, especially for 2021+ models. However, this is contrasted by very frequent and severe criticism of its software, mobile app, and infotainment system, which are described as unreliable and poorly executed.
Best version to buy
For the e-tron SUV, the 2021 and newer models with the MIB3 infotainment upgrade are strongly recommended over 2019-2020 MIB2 units, which suffer from neglected software support. The 'Advanced' or 'Prestige' trims are noted for maximizing luxury features like massage/cooling seats and acoustic glass.
Known issues
- Unreliable mobile app and remote connectivity (e.g., climate control): frequent disconnections, commands fail to send or execute, system downtime. Frequency: very frequent.
- Buggy and slow infotainment software: system freezes, laggy response, requires reboots, older MIB2 systems are unsupported. Frequency: very frequent.
- Extreme depreciation: values can drop 60-70% over 5 years, making new purchases financially unfavorable. Frequency: very frequent.
i4
Overall
Positive sentiment overall, with owners frequently praising the vehicle's driving dynamics, build quality, and refinement. The i4 is consistently described as a "great car" that is "fun to drive," with a high-quality interior that outperforms many competitors in finesse. The M50 performance variant is noted for its "ridiculously fun" acceleration and speed.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The M50 performance model is frequently mentioned and praised for its speed and fun factor.
Known issues
- Severe depreciation: Values described as falling dramatically, with a 2022 i4 M50 cited as dropping from ~£70,000 to ~£36,000 in approximately three years. Frequency: very frequent.
- Uncomfortable driver's seat: Specifically noted as not comfortable for long drives, with both Sensatec and Vernasca leather options cited. Frequency: recurrent.
- Wireless charger malfunction: Described as nearly useless, overheating phones, and charging slower than the phone's battery depletes during navigation use. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The BMW i4 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Audi e-tron, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the BMW i4 are a dealbreaker, the Audi e-tron is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi e-tron or the BMW i4?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the BMW i4 than the Audi e-tron. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi e-tron or the BMW i4?
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 e-tron or the BMW i4?
The EPA rates the 2024 Audi e-tron at 85 MPGe combined and the 2026 BMW i4 at 81–118 MPGe, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi e-tron or the BMW i4?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi e-tron than the BMW i4. See the known issues comparison above.