If you are looking for a luxurious yet affordable car, you’re probably wondering: Is Audi from BMW? While the two brands use similar design elements, the main differences between them are their handling and performance. BMW’s rear-wheel-drive architecture has been hailed as superior to Audi’s front-wheel-drive architecture. BMW’s models are well balanced and responsive, while Audi models favor overall quality. However, while both companies have a high price tag, their interiors don’t feel as luxurious as their competitors’.
The Audi brand is renowned for its high quality and safety features. Several models have received the coveted “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Three models of BMW luxury cars were also given the Top Safety Pick rating this year. Both Audi and BMW cars use advanced technologies to enhance their safety. In addition, both brands have assistant drivers that detect dizziness and alert the driver. It is the safety features of these luxury cars that make them so different from each other.
The company’s history is rich, spanning the early twentieth century. August Horch founded Horch and Audiwerke, DKW and Wanderer. In 1932, he merged the three companies into one company, Auto Union AG. This new company also offered the Audi F103, the first car in Europe to feature a six-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The first model, called the Audi F100, was produced secretly by the Auto Union’s engineers, led by Ludwig Kraus.
As for performance, BMW has the edge. The M division of BMW created the sport sedan 50 years ago, and today’s M3 and M5 models are the gold standard of performance. The BMW tagline, “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, is aptly fitting for both brands. Likewise, BMW has worked to develop its “Green” reputation. It has introduced more electrified models than its rival, including two plug-in hybrids and an all-electric version of the i3.
While the three companies have similar aesthetics, the Audi brand’s ethos has been marked by some differences. Although Audi is known for its luxurious interiors and performance, the two brands have very different engine designs. BMW is more expensive than Audi, and its luxury models are aimed at higher-end customers. In addition to a traditional V12 layout, Audi uses a transverse engine layout, which is more typical in economy cars. Furthermore, transverse engine layout limits the types of engines and power levels.
In motorsports, Audi competes in various forms, including rallying and circuit racing. Although the company has always declined to enter Formula One, the popularity of its hybrid power units has swayed some of its employees’ opinions. Former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has encouraged the brand to enter Formula One. The company is also exploring the option of a hybrid version of the RS6. While it’s not yet certain, it’s worth checking out.
If you are looking for a luxury car, you’ll be pleased to know that the German automakers offer several different models. While BMW and Mercedes are known for their sporty rides, Audi is known for sleek styling and advanced technology. Therefore, if you are on the fence about which one to buy, make sure you take into consideration how the two models compare. So, what’s the difference between BMW and Audi? And which one is better?