Audi
Q8 e-tron
Owner report available
BMW
i5
Owner report available
Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW i5
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW i5 comes out ahead of the Audi Q8 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
Q8 e-tron
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for the vehicle's core luxury attributes and significant frustration with reliability and technology. The vehicle is very frequently praised for its exceptional interior build quality, quiet and refined ride comfort, smooth handling, and overall feeling of traditional luxury. Many owners describe it as one of the quietest and most comfortable vehicles they have owned, with a high-quality interior that feels like a proper luxury car.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Feedback indicates the higher-trim Prestige models are appreciated for their feature content, but no specific trim level is singled out as being significantly more reliable or recommended over others.
Known issues
- Software glitches and MMI failures: Virtual cockpit resets, screen freezes, non-responsive touchscreens, system lag, false error messages (tire pressure, child lock), persistent bugs requiring multiple dealer software updates.
- Major electrical system failures: Complete vehicle shutdowns rendering car undriveable, battery replacement required, indeterminate electrical faults causing extended shop visits (30+ days). Frequency: recurrent.
- 12V battery drain issues: Caused by faulty components like stuck seat switches, leading to a dead vehicle. Warranty disputes common over fault attribution. Frequency: recurrent.
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 Q8 e-tron, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Audi Q8 e-tron is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the BMW i5?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Q8 e-tron and the BMW i5. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the BMW i5?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi Q8 e-tron is classed as a SUV, the BMW i5 as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the BMW i5?
The EPA rates the 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron at 74–78 MPGe combined and the 2027 BMW i5 at 91–116 MPGe, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the BMW i5?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi Q8 e-tron than the BMW i5. See the known issues comparison above.