Compare the2024 BMW X4 MVS 2023 Audi RS Q8

The BMW X4 M has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The RS Q8 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X4 M offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The RS Q8 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The X4 M’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 RS Q8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X4 M and the RS Q8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, 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 X4 M for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the RS Q8.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X4 M’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 29 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

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.

On the EPA test cycle the X4 M gets better mileage than the RS Q8:

The X4 M stops much shorter than the RS Q8:

The X4 M has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the RS Q8; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the X4 M’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the RS Q8’s (41.3 feet vs. 43.5 feet).

The BMW X4 M may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 pounds less than the Audi RS Q8.

The X4 M is 9.8 inches shorter than the RS Q8, making the X4 M easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X4 M’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The RS Q8 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

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 RS Q8’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The X4 M’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Insurance will cost less for the X4 M owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X4 M will cost $1525 less than the RS Q8 over a five-year period.

The X4 M will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X4 M will retain 54.4% of its original price after five years, while the RS Q8 only retains 52.34%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X4 M will be $44761 less than for the Audi RS Q8.

The BMW X4 outsold the Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8 by 425 units during 2022.