Audi
R8
BMW
i8
Audi R8 vs BMW i8: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi R8 offers power, while the BMW i8 excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Audi R8 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the BMW i8 if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
R8
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment regarding the driving experience, emotional appeal, and V10 engine character, with the vehicle widely described as a childhood dream car. The R8 is praised for its engaging, analog feel, particularly in earlier generations, and its relatively accessible supercar ownership experience. However, owner discussions reveal significant and recurrent concerns regarding specific reliability issues, most notably with the magnetic ride suspension and the air conditioning compressor.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (2008-2015), a later model year (2014-2015) V10 with a manual transmission is frequently cited as the most desirable and reliable combination. The manual is strongly preferred over the earlier R-tronic and S-tronic automated manuals for longevity and driving engagement.
Known issues
- ⚠Magnetic Ride Suspension Failure: Struts and shocks are prone to leaking, leading to complete system failure. Replacement with OEM parts is very costly, leading many owners to plan for aftermarket coilover upgrades.
- ⚠Air Conditioning Compressor Failure: Affects both V8 and V10 engines in the first generation. The compressor's location between the engine and firewall makes replacement a major, engine-out service, resulting in extremely high repair costs…
- ⚠Automated Manual Transmission Problems (R-tronic/S-tronic): Issues with early automated manuals in the first generation are noted as problematic and expensive to repair. Jerky shifting behavior is also commonly reported.
i8
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between perception and ownership experience. The vehicle is widely criticized for a perceived mismatch between its dramatic, supercar-inspired styling and its actual performance capabilities, particularly when compared to contemporary BMW M cars like the F80 M3. This has led to a reputation in some circles as a "poser car" or a "lawnmower in a supercar body." However, a strong counter-narrative from long-term owners praises the i8 as a reliable, surprisingly fun-to-drive grand tourer with low maintenance costs and exceptional fuel efficiency for its appearance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Owner discussions mention both the Coupe and Roadster (2018+) variants, with the Coupe noted for retaining small rear seats and slightly lower weight, while the Roadster sacrifices that practicality for an open-air experience.
Known issues
- ⚠Perceived performance deficit: very frequent criticism that the hybrid powertrain's output does not match the supercar styling, with specific comparisons noting it was slower in some metrics than the F80 M3 launched the same year.
- ⚠High-voltage (HV) battery reliability: isolated reports of HV battery failures requiring repair, noted as being a manageable DIY fix involving replacing individual faulty cells rather than the entire pack. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Fake engine sound: use of an artificial sound generator (speaker) noted as a negative by some enthusiasts. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The BMW i8 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Audi R8, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the BMW i8 are a dealbreaker, the Audi R8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi R8 or the BMW i8?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the BMW i8 than the Audi R8. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi R8 or the BMW i8?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi R8 is classed as a Coupe, the BMW i8 as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi R8 or the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 2 L/100km combined versus 13-13.1 L/100km for the Audi R8, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi R8 or the BMW i8?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi R8 than the BMW i8. See the known issues comparison above.