Interior quality: Audi VS. BMW

houstoncutie2000, you need to lay off the ToyLex kool-aid for awhile.

houston, its so obvious that you copied & pasted that last paragraph in your post.

BTW, if BMW's interiors were the same as a Corollas, the 3 series would be 5-10k cheaper.

"How many car magazines have posted especially car and driver and said BMW is over price?"

Is that suppose to be a joke?

"Nearly every aspect of our drive feels more natural in the 335i," one of our editors recorded in the notebook for this comparison. "I'm not sure what the price difference is, but the BMW feels $15,000 better." G37 vs 335i

My leased A6 is a 2008 and will likely be replaced by a 2008 X3 this spring. My wife and I recently test drove the X3 and to us it looks like BMW has caught up with Audi in interior design. I only wish that the X3 would have a Torsen center differential like Audi, or at least a RWD version with LSD.

Regardless of design, Audi has the best fit and finish...however, Mercedes has the best "door feel" (the tank-like feeling when you shut the door). BMW uses pricey materials, but it looks stark.

Very true, its hard to beat that 'thunk' of a M-B door.

Audi interiors are fresher, more contemporary. BMW's template is getting very stale. In my opinion.

Audi, Vorsprung durch beautiful Interrior

"RS4 was much better, due to carbon fiber and aluminum door handles." But to those who do not like those superfluous additions? I much prefer wood to carbon fiber.

I do agree with unsprung, the audi's have a more contemporary look. BMW is quite stark. I liked their previous generation interiors (E46), but their new ones are bit too plasticy. MB also has a very nice interior (It'd come down to an E-Class or A6 for me)

BMW interior = ZzzzZzzzzzz

This is certainly subjective.

I personally think Audi interiors are highly overrated. Yes the materials are nice, but in my previous experience with Audi, the interior didnt hold up as well as my BMW's have.

Also, I found the ridiculous amount of red lighting distracting and overdone.

I agree. The A4 has the cheapest looking interior in the entry level luxury segment. The new model(2009) looks much better but as of today the A4 interior looks really dated. No comparison with the sporty, classy interior in the 3 series BMW. Audi interiors are as overrated as Lexus cars in America. They are really not that great especially in comparison with Mercedes interiors.

"Yes the materials are nice, but in my previous experience with Audi, the interior didnt hold up as well as my BMW's have."

Really? Have you owned a single Audi? Because I've owned four, and you guessed it... they've all held up perfectly. Our new X5 is going to be delivered soon, so I will compare.

"The A4 has the cheapest looking interior in the entry level luxury segment. The new model(2009) looks much better but as of today the A4 interior looks really dated."

Are you kidding? Yes, the A4's interior looks old, but "dated" and "cheap" do not go hand-in-hand. It still has top-notch construction and better materials than anything else in the class. "Cheap" is the farthest thing from the truth; three years ago it would've worked in a car costing $10-20K more than the A4 does.

S4, Ive told you before, I owned a 2001 A6 2.7T and it was the worse car ive ever had. Total 100% POS. Ive explained why in the past and dont feel like reliving the nightmare again.

Agree about red lighting which was excessive in the Audi cars I used to have in the 80's. Blue-filtered white light is much better. But it's all academic now that the whole industry has gone to electroluminescent lighting which is superior to anything else.

I discovered that aging eyes can read blue- or green-lighted numbers much better than red numbers, at least for those of us who have good long-distance vision but need reading glasses.

i said the exact same thing when i sat in the new s5, there were so much hard black plastic everywhere, a thin piece of leatherette on the door, and than some silver trim on the door, it just looked cheap. by comparison the 335i coupe had leather on the door rest door panel, and wood trim, and wood trim on the dash, it wasnt acres of black plastic. the current generation a4 interior looks alot like the last 3 series, the e46. many mags mean ergonomics in the sense of audis interiors. There is just way to much plastic all over the place

Nothing could be further from the truth. No car company in this price range is putting leather on the doors unless you pay extra for it and BMW is no exception. I work for a BMW and Audi dealer and they both use a similar amout on the door trim. You must have your interiors confused. The silver trim is a choice same as wood would be or carbon fiber which happens to be real. Get you facts straight and remember what car you sit in befor making such false statements.

I agree - I saw the S5 at the Auto Show and it looked *gasp* inferior to the BMWs - especially the navigation unit and the tremendous amount of plastic surrounding it. Historically, I would have to give Audi the nod, but I think BMW took one step forward and Audi took two back.

no your wrong there, the 3 series door panels are real leather, the audi s5's arent....lol there is no way you sell bmw's and can say that lie with a straight face.

I think Audi, BMW and MB all have good interiors overall, it just depends on the presentation. Both BMW and MB generally choose a more conservative stance when it comes to interiors. Look at the 3er and C-Class, the interiors are less flashy than that of the Audi A4. I've checked out all these cars, with the exception of the new A4, and I thought the interiors were perfectly fine. In all of them do you feel like you're sitting in a premium product.

I own a BMW e46 and the interior in this and the e39 is very very good, so is the layout of the dash. The new generetaion has stepped down one step, they now use cheaper materials it both looks and feels that way,but perhaps it is better plastic i dont know. Same with Audi the old a6 was nice in plastic, but the new one also stepped one step down.
Perhaps it is the new way to make good plastic, is s soft to touch but does not look as nice as in the older models. I never thought that Audi was better than BMW but i find both better than Mercedes.

The new A6 interior is a huge improvement over the last-gen--I say this as a previous A6 owner. Why didn't I buy the new one? I wasn't impressed with its performance. The interior was beautiful.

I do like the BMW's because it is not overdone. I do like something simple and not trying to win "interior light show of the year award". The reason the BMW interior holds up so well is because it doesnt have so much going one. I do like Audi's as well. My sisters A$ interior has not held up that well over time. BUt, she is a woman! To me, I would not complain about either vehicle and I would be happy to drive both, I just chose BMW instead.

I meant "A4"

I have an 04 A4 and the interior finish, in my opinion is better than the new A4s, and a large percentage of the new generation of this compact executive class.

However, try Audi's interior in their higher models, ie A6, A8, Q7, compared to their competitors. I believe that is where they shine.

BMW interiors are boring. Maybe its me but when a car interior has nothing but plain unused plastic panels, the interior starts to feel cold and reminds me of the inside of a coffin. Cold has been used to decribe BMW interiors time after time. Audi Interiors are nicer than BMW for sure.

it still amazes me that a random person can come in here and start and argument like this. Next time it will be someone comparing a Yugo with a Bentley. Stupid.

A worthwhile discussion should be over facts or at least over a general concensus and not one person's subjective opinion based on 30 seconds of sitting in a car.

The industry standard, benchmark (Audi) and general opinion in this comparison is clear. Not even worth the time arguing.

Yet here you are adding to the argument. The point of this message board is to give and hear others opinions. I value what other people think and I love to talk about cars, that is what this post is all about.

Not to mention that a lot of people are enjoying sharing their opinions on this subject. Don't be a hater.

Comparing 2001 year models, my friend's A4 does not seem to be holding up as well as my X5. The instrument cluster and radio display in his are unreadable, while the BMW's remain clear with no dead pixels. Also the door to the glovebox in the A4 squeaks incessantly.

Both are at the 80,000 mile mark, see the same amount of wear and are cared for similarly, and he even agrees that the Audi is showing more wear than the BMW.

My father owns an Audi (03 A6 estate), so previous model, and I for one love that interior. Very high fit and finish quality, and I think the red does actually look really good when in the dark, everything is easy to find and makes the cabin more inviting. I mean, the quality of the cup holders and the mechanism for them, genious.

Though not a fan of BMW interiors, providing the right colours are used, the 3 series interior can look quite good, simple and elegant. But can't speak for build quality there, although I would believe it to be of a good standard.

I own a 2005.5 A4 2.0T. My best friend just bought a 2007 328xi. Every time I get into it, I can't beleive it cost him over $40,000, about $4,000 more then my A4. The interior materials are low grade in comparison. The guage cluster looks like it came out of a $20,000 car. The leather feels fake, although he go the upgrade real stuff. It has a much grainer feel. I'm actually a big BMW fan overall, but I'd take the A4 interior over the 3 series any day. And lets remember, the A4 interior was designed years before the new 3 series interior. One thing I think is definate, when the 2009 A4 comes out, it will definately hold the upper hand over the 3 series. If its anything close to the S5, which I believe it will be, it will defiantely hold the upper hand.

I did look in the S5 which looked awesome. I was excited to get into the new A4 at the show and it didn't "pop" like the RS4 or S5. It just seemed at least for the entry level cars there really wasn't a difference with the A4 or 3 series.

Oh for clarification it was the 2009 A4 I sat in

Britbox,

If you went to the LA Auto Show - you did NOT sit in a 2009 A4. That car has NOT been introduced to the N.A. market yet. You sat in a 2007 or 2008 model A4 (end of life). There is a HUGE difference between the new A4 (not released) and current A4. The interior of the new A4 is very similar to the S5 and A6.

sorry you are not correct. the newest A4 was on display. Here is froim the L.A Auto show web site.

"Making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi’s all-new A4 has new, sporty proportions, improved weight distribution and re-designed all-aluminum suspension, all of which adds up to dynamic road behavior and effortlessly precise handling. The new Audi A4 is being introduced with a 265 horsepower V-6 engine that reduces fuel consumption by 13% over the previous model and can be mated to a choice of manual or tiptronic manual/automatic transmission. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive is also part of the package.

It even has a picture of it so you can see the fancy new R8 inspired headlights.


http://www.laautoshow.com/2007/Home/Concepts/tabid/75/Default.aspx?vehicleid=AudiA4

Audi's design is better than BMW's. It looks better just to look at it. The quality of materials are good in both cars, but the Audi wins by some.

I test drove an X5 a few days a ago and the interior was outstanding to say the least.

Wait till I get my X6 for a full review ;)

Please write your X6 review quickly, you might be the only person purchasing one.

By the way, why are we making such a big deal out of interiors? We're reaching a point where every smallest detail is discussed in order to lend credence to someones opinion that this interior is better than this interior.

Most people hop into a luxury car and either like or don't like the interior. Often, they look at the design or spacial qualities, or ergonomical qualities of the interior, not really the "quality". If it looks good, it looks good. That's enough for most people.

lol come on
this guy sat in an A4, and "3 series" then sat in an RS4 and said the RS4 looks a bit better?
it all depends in WHICH car you sit in...from either company...i havent sat or driven an E46 of any series...but i sat in an E36 318 and M3...of course the M3 is gonna have a better interior...

Sorry, i should have been a little more clear but I did mention I was at the L.A. Auto Show which is still on so the cars I sat in were the 2009 models that most people haven't even seen in person yet.

Amd that's why you bought 4 BMW's.

;)

makes you the dummy who bought 4 BMWs. Oh wait, they were company cars...

I am BMWpos evil twin. Lexus is the most overrated car company in the world. The softest, unperformance like rids period. Go test drive one you will see yourself. Horrible. For the moment Lexus is à la mode.

Audi has great fit and finish.
Don`t get me strted on the new 3series interior, very cheap.

houston,
you made it clear for everybody that you never seen the interior of a BMW in your life. I guess you are used only to the back seat of a Corolla.

how old are you houston?

I'm with M35.

I have owned both. Loved both.
You cant go wrong with either.
Audi & BMW 4 life

I think it's more about interior design then quality. I think Audi has a warmer more upscale design then BMW.Mercedes used to have a nice interior design but have gone so ultrmodern with less wood that I find it a turn off.BMW have always had well made but utilitrian interiors. The current three series is slightly better but does not match that of Audi.So it's more then just the materials.Believe it or not I think the Cadillac CTS has a very attractive interior is more luxury looking then the BMW or Mercedes.

Lol, good debate topic, it all depends on the person, whether your the contemporary modern man/woman or classic contemporary man/woman, I fall into a mixture thats why i go for the A8 w12 interior, a little bit more luxuriously trimmed than the 760, yet still giving that contemporary feel.

On a model-to-model basis, I honestly cannot think of a BMW that has better materials OR design than its Audi counterpart. They're not bad, but not great, either. The X5 is the only one--its interior is on par with the Q7's. The 5 Series is nice, too, but it can't touch the A6.

As for their new design... it's a question of taste. The A6's interpretation is fantastic. The Q7's is nice, too, but a bit average for an Audi interior. The new A4/A5 interiors look fantastic. The A8 is of course one of the best in the industry, if not the best, period.

About the write-up? The S5 doesn't have leatherette on the doors--unless the one you sat in had the Alcantara/leather seats, the door panels were real leather.

I have sat in the 3 Series, and it's alright. I don't know why so many people hate on its interior, as it measures up to the class, if not beating it. The A4's takes the cake, though.

"On a model-to-model basis, I honestly cannot think of a BMW that has better materials OR design than its Audi counterpart." S4cabriofone

The blind Audi fanboi thinks Audi looks better. What a surprise...

Okay, then prove it, Star.

Pull up an Audi vs. BMW article that clearly states that the BMW has a better interior, in ANY sense. Design, materials, whatever.

To say I am a "blind Audi fanboi" is ridiculous. The 2008 BMW X5 4.8i that I ordered was delivered to the dealer today--not sure when I'll pick it up, though. Maybe Friday? It will technically be my wife's, but I will probably drive it more than her.

I have not seen the new A4 interior, but Audi typically has the better interior in terms of quality and design. BUT, in general I find German interiors very cold and uninviting. I prefer Lexus and Infinit interiors over them. Technology also tends to be better in Japenese cars rather then German cars, which is a major selling point for me.

See, thats where German car owners and Lexus owners differ.

A BMW offers luxury but most important a performance car.

Lexus= slush-box, with techy gadgets

BTW on a side note, I stood and watched the GT-R spin around untill I could see the interior and from 5 feet away it blew away Audi and BMW, but it is 80 grand.

Love them both.

Great topic.

The Audi interior of the RS4 differs from the standard A4 . When I bring my Porsche for service and am given an A4 as a loaner car I find that the seats are very uncomfortable on drives more than 30 minutes .

From what I understand the RS4 is much better.

At 5'9" 150 I fit in just about any car yet of the German sedans the A4 has posed the largest comfort issue for me .

The BMW on the other hand is by no means a winner in terms of the dash . The sport seats are very supportive yet the interior seems stale . Dressed up with a aftermarket carbon fiber ,shift knobs , pedal sets, and accessories the 3 series can be trasformed.

Audi definitly

Audi has a nice interior new, but give it even 2 years and rattles and random wear patterns start showing up.

Do you just have that saved and copy and paste it in whenever there's an article concerning BMW? Or have you actually memorised it?

I am BMWpos evil twin. Lexus is the most overrated car company in the world. The softest, unperformance like rides period. Go test drive one you will see yourself. Horrible. For the moment Lexus is à la mode.

LEXUS= slush-box

BMWpos - You would be moire credible if you didn't sound like a 12 year old. When you get your license, test drive a BMW and then come back here and start posting.

I rest my case...

it's so silly it's on the most active list.

Not even close - Audi over BMW...The people saying BMW has better ergos are confused (or have not actually been in a late model Bimmer)...Audi pioneered a lot of what you see in late model Acura/Honda vehicles as far as ergos go (I own both an Audi and Honda - and had 2 Acuras prior to my A4)...Plus I hate the "swept away" dash of current BMWs...I want to be in the cockpit!!!! Audi interiors are also superior in materials (look at even a late model VW Rabbit/Golf - still awesome materials)...

I have owned two BMW 3-series and a Mercedes-Benz CLK in the past. I currently drive an Audi A8. No contest - the Audi interior winds hands down.
The BMWs were plagued by poor quality of materials. The Mercedes used better materials, but it stilled showed more wear and tear than did the Audi.
All of the interior parts in all four cars fit well and did not fall off over time. However, the Audi's interior materials, ergonomics and design easily trumped both the Bimmers and the Benz.

This must be one of the most biased and delusional comments I laid my eyes on. Wow...

How so?

Britbox,

If you went to the LA Auto Show - you did NOT sit in a 2009 A4. That car has NOT been introduced to the N.A. market yet. You sat in a 2007 or 2008 model A4 (end of life). There is a HUGE difference between the new A4 (not released) and current A4. The interior of the new A4 is very similar to the S5 and A6.

I was at the LA Autoshow myself multiple times this week.

So basically you're comparing a 6-7 year old Audi to a 1-2 year old BMW. ???????

sorry you are not correct. the newest A4 was on display. Here is froim the L.A Auto show web site.

"Making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi’s all-new A4 has new, sporty proportions, improved weight distribution and re-designed all-aluminum suspension, all of which adds up to dynamic road behavior and effortlessly precise handling. The new Audi A4 is being introduced with a 265 horsepower V-6 engine that reduces fuel consumption by 13% over the previous model and can be mated to a choice of manual or tiptronic manual/automatic transmission. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive is also part of the package."

the R8 inspired headlamps aren't on the outgoing A 4 are they?

dude, let's skip thanksgiving and I'll meet you there. We can sit in it together. You bring the 40 oz's.

I am BMWpos evil twin. Lexus is the most overrated car company in the world. The softest, unperformance like rides period. Go test drive one you will see yourself. Horrible. For the moment Lexus is à la mode.

LEXUS= slush-box

Can these people be booted?

I don't know but i like the design of the BMW interior. They call their cars machines, and they certainly design the interior in a way so that it does look like a machine's interior. The audi interior's are much more traditional and rather luxurious and have simply the best quality.. If you are up for luxe, then the Audi interiors are for you. But if you want to feel as if like you are inside a machine, like me, then BMW interior's will be just right for you.

Audi, without any doubt.

Older BMW's used to have very good interiors (pre-Bangle) like the E39 and E46 were pretty much perfect. Current BMW interiors are a bit boring to look at and I don't like how iDrive dictates the look of it. I prefer Audi's MMI system (like in my A8, which folds away whenever you don't need it).

Sunglasses from red lighting, amazinBimmer?
Ophthalmology lesson: Your eye's rod cells are not sensitive to red light - meaning the red lighting should be comfortable to view, especially at night. The BMW bias makes your eyes hurt.

The lighting is terrific in my S6. I love the red ambient LEDs placed in the electronic panel above the rear view mirror, the LEDs placed behind the chrome door handles & the subtle lighting of the vent adjustment knobs.

I'm not sure how you came to the opinion that the Audi interior feels cheaper than a BMW. The materials are of high quality - the plastic pieces are of a low-med durometer (soft to touch) and well textured. The wood & metal trim is real. The upholstery shows great craftsmanship although I prefer the softer leather. The buttons have decent tactile response and the gauges are well placed and easy to read.

The BMW's have nice interiors, but they seem a bit too austere, a bit clinical lab, and a bit cold.

I may be a bit biased, too, but at least I back it up.

what's worng with my Kia Rio?

Be proud & rock your Rio, man!

I am BMWpos evil twin. Lexus is the most overrated car company in the world. The softest, unperformance like rides period. Go test drive one you will see yourself. Horrible. For the moment Lexus is à la mode.

LEXUS= slush-box

Shut up and go elsewhere

LEXUSpos - 11/21/2007 7:16:44 PM

I am BMWpos evil twin. Lexus is the most overrated car company in the world. The softest, unperformance like rides period. Go test drive one you will see yourself. Horrible. For the moment Lexus is à la mode.

LEXUS= slush-box <end quote>

STFU AND GTFO!!!! >__<

From sitting and driving in many of the BMW and Audi models, i would have to say that in my opinion, the BMWs have a nicer interior. This is just my opinion.
However, neither are as comfortable as Lexus interiors.

"Since when does BMW let you sit in their cars at the autoshow?"

Have you ever been to an Auto show? By saying something aberrant like BMW will not let you to sit in their cars you prove that you are either under 12 years old and look like a thug or you never been to an Auto show. Your rants against a car you never had even the chance to sit in are looking more and more ridiculous. Grow up!

I take any day the interior of the current 3 series over the dated and poorly designed interior in the current A4. I take any Mercedes interior over any Audi interior ...no exceptions.

BMW had the doors open on the M6, 335, M5 to sit in.

BMWs are enjoyable to drive, but their interiors are no where near Audi's. BMWs interiors tend to be boring and stiff, and fit/finish don't even match up to the top line Accord or Passats. To be honest, when you compare interiors of the big 4 (BMW, Benz, Lexus & Audi) BMW will be "guaranteed" a last place finish just as Audi's will be guaranteed a first place finish. Pick up "any" article about Audi (any model) and you'll get tons of accolades about the interior. You're likely to get the opposite about the BMW. I'm very surprised this is even being debated. Its not even a close comparison..

Lets be honest here. You really need to sit in the car before judging the interior, not just depend on car magazines. I've sat in every single NEW BMW except the X3. The interior is improving. I even think its on par with Audi now, and I was impressed when I sat in the facelifted 5er. I also own an e70 and the materials and feel are top notch. Yes Audis may be better, but the gap is closing, its almost unnoticable.

It is easy to define certain automobile features with objectivity and certainty. Compare performance statistics such as horsepower, speed to a specific distance or mpg between two cars and a definitive answer is obtained. One car is clearly better than the other in any of these kinds of features. The statistics provide the absolute evidence of this.

However, when it comes to things such as visual quality in design, material, comfort and ambiance, the subject become subjective and unique to the eyes and body characteristics of the beholder.

What is seen as comfortable and plush to one person is too uncomfortable and overstated to another. What is seen as Spartan is too uncomfortable and dull to another.

Both the Audi and BMW interiors are appealing to me. I cannot say that one is clearly superior to the other. The brands look different, perform differently although the ride is somewhat the same.

It is the overall impression of a specific model and not the brand that motivates my choice of one over the other.

In previous years, I purchased an Audi; in other years, a BMW. I did so because to me in that particular year, one automobile clearly outclassed the other in EVERY way.

I don't criticize one because it does not rise to the overall level of the other but instead, appreciate the differences in each model. I am grateful that they are different and thus allow me to have choices whenever I buy a new car.

good point. I do love to talk opinions over because sometimes when you are on the fence it's just what you need to make a choice.

I'd have to agree...Audi interiors are TOO overrated. My wife's 04 A4 is already showing signs of wear. In comparison between a 3 Series and an A4...BMW all the way. AUDI WAY, WAY OVERRATED!!!

And just to clarify, I was comparing only the 2009 A4 to the 2008 335 for interiors.

Hey everyone. Just for the record. I have been fighting the good fight against ENN Norak for over a year. He says the dumbest most uneducated things. In fact he is by far the stupidest person on AutoSpies. Thats saying a lot I know.


From now on I am just going to save my breath. He is a completely uninformed boob.

Just ignore him and he will go away. I will. Who will join me?

Huu76 "Perhaps BMW in Canada are just jackasses? They probably know they can treat fobs like crap and they'll still come back for the emblem."

I guess is possible that BMW in Canada treats customers with less respect but don't forget that people want BMWs because nothing matches the driving experience for the price. You can cry all day long thinking that people choose BMWs for the badge but the reality is different. People are willing to put up even with bad treatment because BMW cars are just THAT GOOD.

Wow, that's so lame. To be honest I could not believe they had an M6 sitting there for anyone to jump in, no ropes or nothin'.