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BMW vs Audi


Joy Wants You to Notice the Difference

"Perfection...no current family of cars comes closer to the elusive target..." Car & Driver

What sets apart BMW from its closest competitors?

"What BMW does do better than anyone is retaining the "machine-ness" of its vehicles so the driver feels in command over a precision instrument and not just a passenger in a luxury liner." - Motor Trend, September 2008

How does BMW allow you to stand out from the crowd--to be yourself?

Try counting the endless possibilities...
-BMW 135i: 8,257,536 possibilities
-BMW 335i: 150,528,000 possibilities
-BMW 535i: 346,030,080 possibilities
-BMW 550i: 36,044,800 possibilities
-BMW X5 xDrive35d: 3,460,300,800 possibilities

Are there different drivetrains in a BMW that one can choose from?

BMW offers both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (xDrive), so whether the driver lives in the hot, flat pavement of Florida or the snow-covered roads of Colorado, he or she is sure to find the performance and stability they need.

Audi offers front drive or all-wheel-drive (Quattro) in their most popular models, putting a limit on the the true sports car enthusiast who wants a real bare-knuckled driving experience.  Rear drive also allows BMW to maintain nearly a perfect 50/50 front to rear weight balance so critical to the feel of a BMW.

Plus, Quattro, Audi's all-wheel drive system, does not have the sophistication of BMW's xDrive.  Germany's "Auto Motor Und Sport" magazine says it all in their July 2006 edition:  "...xDrive is one step ahead. Quattro cannot match the xDrive in terms of driving dynamics."


BMW speaks sport, luxury, and practicality.

"... The great 5 Series cars of the past have offered almost as much luxury as the 7 Series, but at a more manageable and sportier size. This latest iteration may have gained some weight, but it has also gained in refinement. And, despite the added mass, the sporty dynamics that have made the 5 Series the sports car of its segment remain intact." Car and Driver, February 2010

The 2011 5-Series is a testament to the marriage of fine sports car handling and power with modern luxury and comfort. And then there is utility. Drivers will benefit from the modern interior that has been designed with a clear driver orientation. The center console is slightly angled (7-degrees) toward the driver, creating a cockpit that virtually embraces him or her. All displays, knobs and buttons serving comfort functions are situated centrally for use by both the driver and front passengers. Controls for the driver's use only are logically positioned to the left of the steering wheel, on or near the steering wheel, or on the front center console within easy reach.


The new 5-Series is just one shining example of BMW's commitment to sport, luxury, and ease of use. But it's a great one. Take, for example, the iDrive system in the 2011 5-Series. This car features BMW's latest generation iDrive system that shares a common interface, display logic and console mounted controller with the 2009 7 Series, with only slight modifications. Both displays are transreflective, meaning direct sunlight serves to enhance the vibrancy and visibility of on-screen images. In typical form, the iDrive display monitor is centrally positioned high on the dash panel, where it is visually accessible with just a quick glance. This serves to reduce eye fatigue while greatly reducing "eyes off the road" time.


With a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds, the 2011 BMW 535i outpaces its competition, the Audi A6 3.0T 3.0-liter V6, which sprints the 0-60 at 5.9 seconds. The 57.7% over the front-end adds 635 lbs. of extra weight to the A6 3.0T. Although the cars are nearly identical in overall length, the A6's wheelbase is five inches shorter, resulting in longer overhangs. The end result is a vehicle with heavy understeer tendencies and a lack of 5-Series athleticism. The 535i xDrive has significantly larger brakes, with vented discs at the back. The front discs are more than 1.0-inch larger. The rear discs are nearly 2.0-inch larger. Critics agree, there is a difference between imitations and true sports cars:

"... the A6 is no sports car. Handling is OK but not as precise as the 5 Series." Automobile Magazine, December 2009

BMW's Enhanced Braking System -- Audi does not have...

We believe being able to stop quickly is even more important than being able to drive fast. That's why our enhanced braking system does more than just brake. If it's raining, it'll dry off the rotors. If you're stopped on a hill, it'll keep you from rolling. If you quickly pull your foot off the accelerator, it prepares to brake just as quickly. And, if you're braking repeatedly, it knows you need more force.

BMW is independently owned.

A defining characteristic of BMW is that it has no parent company--rather, it is the parent company. Audi, on the other hand, is a platform car. It derives much of its basic design from its parent company, Volkswagen. Thus, while automobiles, such as Audi, are founded on a basic, homogeneous platform from their parent company (in this case, Volkswagen), BMW has the freedom to build its own platforms, tailored specifically for the needs of each individual series.

BMW Ultimate Service is the perfect compliment to the Ultimate Driving Machine®.

One of the most comprehensive programs in its class, BMW Ultimate Service offers premium vehicle maintenance, absolutely free of charge. When you buy a BMW now, you pay no maintenance costs for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Your maintenance costs for this period:

  • Engine Oil Services: $0
  • Inspection Services: $0
  • Wiper Blade Inserts: $0
  • Brake Pads: $0
  • Brake Discs: $0
  • Engine Drive Belts: $0
  • Brake Fluid Service: $0

BMW Ultimate Service also offers the following services:

  • New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty: This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, so you can rest assured your BMW will perform as expected.
  • BMW Ultimate Maintenance Program: One of the most comprehensive maintenance programs in its class, covering all factory-recommended maintenance services during the New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty Coverage Period, as well as specific items that require replacement due to normal wear and tear, such as brake pads, brake discs and wiper blade inserts.
  • Four years of the BMW Assist Safety Plan: Many 2007 and later models include a four-year, unlimited mileage subscription to the BMW Assist Safety Plan including TeleService, an exclusive BMW benefit which allows your vehicle to contact your BMW center directly when it needs service or maintenance.
  • Unlimited-Mileage Roadside Assistance: Receive Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the first four years of ownership, without any mileage limitation.

When compared to Audi's maintenance program, Audi Care, the difference in cost and scope stands out. Where BMW Ultimate Service is included when you buy the car, Audi Care is an additional cost of $790 on top of the car purchase, and covers maintenance for the same 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Let's not forget that with Audi Care, Replacement parts and labor are additional. Thus, once you have purchased their maintenance plan, they will inspect your car for damage, but the cost to replace those parts and the cost for labor are on you. Go ahead, compare the average cost of maintaining a BMW to other vehicles for the first four years of ownership:



You can easily see the differences between the 2011 BMW and the Audi.  Now, all that's left for you to do is either stop by or make an appointment with one of our client advisors to drive the "Ultimate Driving Machine" and feel the "Joy" that so many of our customers have already experienced.

Schedule a test Drive Today by calling 1.800.875.2269 or click here to email us at bmwsales@dreyerreinbold.com .