Compare the2023 BMW i4VS 2023 Audi e-tron GT

The i4’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The e-tron GT doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the i4 and the e-tron GT have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the i4 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for tire rotation, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the e-tron GT.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the i4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 6th.

As tested in Car and Driver the i4 M50 electric motors is faster than the Audi e-tron GT (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the i4 gets better mileage than the e-tron GT:

The i4 can travel longer on a full charge than the e-tron GT on a full charge:

The i4 stops much shorter than the e-tron GT:

The i4 M50 handles at .96 G’s, while the e-tron GT Prestige pulls only .90 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The BMW i4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 100 to 400 pounds less than the Audi e-tron GT.

The i4 is 7.9 inches shorter than the e-tron GT, making the i4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the i4 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The e-tron GT doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The i4 has 2 inches more rear legroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the e-tron GT.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 1% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

The i4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The e-tron GT doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the i4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the i4 will cost $2365 to $7640 less than the e-tron GT over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW i4 will be $44386 to $67165 less than for the Audi e-tron GT.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW i4, based on reliability, safety and performance.