Audi vs BMW: which is more reliable?

I was chatting with a friend over the weekend, and we got into a heated debate about which platform is ideal for a project car.

We didn’t get around to a conclusion, but my mind is still set on the GM GMT400 platform. What do you think?

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Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

• BMW and Audi have long duked it out to rule the luxury car market in the US, but we wanted to see which one was more reliable. One brand dominated, and it was BMW.

• How fast can you go in a 4WD lock? Many factors come into play when driving with a 4WD lock, so take precautions before putting your foot down.

• Do you want to know what is a squatted truck? This interesting modification has peculiar origins and can seriously affect your truck’s performance.

KERN’S CORNER

BMW vs. Audi: the battle to see which one is better

German automakers dominated the US luxury car market in 2023. BMW sold more than 360,000 units, and Audi wasn't far off, with 228,000 units. Both sales figures were the best years to date for each company. 

These are undeniably popular brands, but the question of their reliability remains. So, this week's newsletter seeks to answer the following question: Which brand is more reliable: Audi or BMW? Brace yourself; some of the data we found might surprise you. 

Let's start with sales. BMW seems to have dominated the market with an astounding 362,244 vehicles. Yet, if we consider sales growth, Audi has made strides, as the following chart shows.

Audi's unprecedented growth is mainly due to its reliance on electric vehicles and the e-Tron line, which jumped nearly 60%. However, that doesn't mean Audi will catch BMW anytime soon, as other brands such as Porsche, Tesla, and Mercedes are also growing. 

So, these two brands are famous, but how does the market perceive their reliability? Let's examine what experts think of them.

We've covered car ratings in this newsletter, so if you want to learn more about where they come from, you can read this article.

Every year, Consumer Reports releases its rankings for the best car brands in the US. It takes 34 major brands and ranks them according to their overall scores, which include road performance, satisfaction, safety, and, most importantly, reliability. Here are the results. 

BMW ranks first overall, with an impressive 82 out of 100. Meanwhile, Audi ranks 12th with a 72, dropping three spots from the previous. This graph not only shows BMW's remarkable performance but also has other stories worth telling.

Toyota, known for its reliability, has dropped three spots, while Porsche climbed 11 in one year. So, look out, BMW. 

Audi's rankings drop is primarily due to dissatisfied owners, faulty infotainment systems, and overall reliability issues. 

Another critical survey reflects this sentiment. JD Power recently released its Vehicle Dependability Study, which evaluates the number of problems per 100 cars.

BMW ranks 9th, remaining right in the study average, while Audi ranks 29th, with 275 problems per 100 cars. However, that's not the most shocking fact about this. Take a look at number 27. That's Volkswagen, Audi's owner.

The German automaker has struggled to revive its reputation as a reliable brand after the emissions scandal and has lost its grip on the US market.

You'll lose money 

BMW might have a stranglehold on its reputation, dominating magazines such as Consumer Reports, JD Power, Road and Track, and Car and Driver, but it has a significant problem. Its Achilles Heel is depreciation.

It's not a great look when three of BMW's cars, including its most popular SUV, are a part of the top ten most depreciated cars in the market. On the other hand, Audi only has one, though it's not something to write home about. 

Many factors contribute to this violent depreciation. For one, they are luxury vehicles, and owners likely don't want an older model, especially if it is priced high. Also, these vehicles are usually leased, so once the lease is over, there are many of them for sale, and their market value plummets. 

This also means that if you're looking for a used luxury SUV, you should consider those 2019 models. 

Then, there are repair costs. We've seen that BMW ranks high in several scores, but that doesn't mean it's a cheap brand to maintain. RepairPal gives BMW an average annual maintenance cost of $968, while the industry average is $652. 

One of its most popular vehicles, the X5, costs $1166 annually, exceeding the average for luxury SUVs, which is $1127. 

Audi's average is $987, while its Q7 maintenance costs are $1185, which exceeds the average. 

However, this should not be a surprise. Ultimately, German automakers have always stood out for luxury interiors, excellent performance, and good looks. Reliability hasn't necessarily been their strong point. (Durability has, but that's for another post.) 

Having said that, from the public's perspective, BMW has won this battle, though its maintenance is extremely expensive. This raises another question: must you pay so much to own a luxury SUV?

Lexus owners will disagree, while Porsche owners might agree. Let us know what you think. If you want to know more about the crucial differences between BMW and Audi, read our in-depth article here!

BEST AND WORST

What is a Carolina Squat and what’s the best of doing it to your truck?

If looks could kill, these trucks would be in jail. That’s right, Carolina Squatted trucks are becoming more popular than ever.

But, what is a Carolina Squat, and how do you do it? Our article answers these questions and shares valuable tips on this peculiar modification.

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

How fast can you drive with 4WD lock?

You’re cruising through soft mud and want to give it the beans.

Before you do so, read our article on how fast you can drive with 4WD lock and what factors can affect your driving.

This way, you can avoid an expensive repair bill!

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• Would you ride in a flying car? They’re becoming ever more common

• These cars might seem expensive, but they rarely need repairs

• Used Dodge Challengers are still commanding sky-high prices