Audi A8 vs. BMW řady 7: Complete comparison 2026

The Audi A8, the flagship from Ingolstadt, which also appears on the market in the long-wheelbase A8 L variant or as the high-performance S8 sports model, embodies the absolute pinnacle of understated luxury, timeless elegance, and technological innovation. Its direct challenger is the BMW 7 Series, a prestigious Munich limousine also known in its fully electric form as the i7 or in the exclusive Alpina B7 version, which traditionally adds significantly sharper driving dynamics and a bolder design to maximum comfort. In the following comparison, we will take a detailed look at which of these two iconic German limousines represents a better choice on the market for roughly four-year-old used cars for demanding drivers seeking the ultimate driving experience.

Exterior dimensions and proportions

When choosing a luxury limousine from the used car market, focusing on models roughly four years old (the Audi A8 D5 generation and the post-facelift BMW 7 Series G11/G12), exterior dimensions play an absolutely key role. Both flagships offer majestic proportions, but they approach the overall body architecture differently. The standard Audi A8 measures 5172 to 5190 mm in length, surpassing the standard BMW 7 Series with its length of 5120 mm by 52 to 70 mm. At the same time, the Audi is a substantial 43 mm wider (1945 mm compared to 1902 mm for the BMW). In practice, this means that the A8 makes a slightly more dominant impression on the road and provides more generous interior shoulder room. However, the increased width of the Audi can mean slightly more challenging maneuvering and parking in narrow underground garages.

An interesting turn occurs when looking at the wheelbase, which is a key parameter for longitudinal passenger space. Although the BMW 7 Series is shorter and narrower overall, its standard wheelbase is 3070 mm, which is 72 mm more than that of the Audi A8 (2998 mm). The Bavarian automaker has managed to create a car with very short body overhangs. This configuration not only benefits agility and sportier driving characteristics but also makes the use of interior space exceptionally efficient at the expense of the car's absolute length.

For customers requiring maximum travel comfort, typically chauffeur-driven, long-wheelbase versions are available on the market. The Audi A8 L has grown to an impressive length of 5302 to 5320 mm with a wheelbase of 3128 mm. The BMW in the Long version reaches a length of 5260 mm and a wheelbase of 3210 mm. Here the situation repeats itself – the Audi remains absolutely longer and wider, but the BMW scores with a significantly longer distance between the axles. In terms of daily use, both long-wheelbase versions will significantly exceed standard parking spaces with their dimensions; however, the BMW is able to benefit slightly more from its footprint in favor of rear passenger legroom.

Luggage space in flagship models such as the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series may not be the very first and most important parameter for buyers, but in practice, it plays a key role in daily use. Whether it's transporting several large suitcases to the airport before a long vacation or a weekend trip with golf bags, sufficient space in the back is simply a necessity for the overall utility of the car. If we focus on roughly four-year-old used cars – which ideally covers the Audi A8 (D5) and BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) generations – we find slight differences in both limousines in this regard, which can decide in favor of one of them during frequent travel.

When comparing standard internal combustion engine versions, the Munich representative comes out slightly better in terms of space. The BMW 7 Series offers a trunk capacity of 515 liters in its basic configuration, which represents a generous space sufficient for weekend shopping and longer trips. The competing Audi A8 counters with a very similar value of 505 liters. The difference of just ten liters is almost negligible in real life, and both cars can easily accommodate the same number of travel bags. However, a fundamental difference in practicality occurs if you opt for the plug-in hybrid versions, which are popular in this class. In the Audi A8 (TFSI e version), the battery placement takes up a significant amount of space, causing the trunk volume to drop sharply to a more modest 390 liters. The BMW 7 Series (for example, the 745e version) managed to maintain a much more usable 420 liters even after the battery installation, which in practice means space for one smaller piece of luggage or an extra sports bag.

A specific feature of this class of luxury sedans is the almost complete absence of the possibility to significantly expand the cargo space. Given that the rear seats of flagship models often feature independent electric positioning, massage functions, or even a fixed center console for ultimate passenger comfort, do not look for classic folding backrests here as standard. Therefore, the maximum volume after folding the seats is officially not listed at all for the vast majority of these models, and in practice, these limousines simply cannot be counted on for moving any larger loads.

Luggage Capacity Comparison

Towing Capacity and Trailer Weight

Although most people do not primarily associate luxury limousines like the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series with towing loads, their capabilities in this area are key for many buyers in the used car market. Whether it's towing a horse trailer, a heavy caravan, or a luxury boat, both models offer excellent values that significantly expand their practicality beyond that of a standard highway cruiser.

Looking at models roughly four years old (the D5 generation for Audi and the G11/G12 or the incoming G70 for BMW), we find that the standard and maximum braked trailer weight for powerful internal combustion engines is an identical and respectable 2300 kg for both rivals. The Audi A8 maintains this top value across the vast majority of its engine options, from the 50 TDI diesel variants to the 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid versions. BMW also offers a maximum of 2300 kg for its G11/G12 generation (for example, the popular 750d or 750i models). However, a difference arises with the newer incoming BMW generation (G70), where the maximum permitted trailer weight for the 750e plug-in hybrid variant has decreased to 2000 kg.

In practice, these values mean a great deal of freedom. A weight of 2300 kg is perfectly sufficient even for a longer holiday with a fully equipped premium caravan, while plenty of space remains in the car's boot for several extra suitcases. The reduction to 2000 kg for the latest BMW hybrid models represents a slight compromise, but it is still more than adequate for common tasks like transporting smaller boats or weekend trips. For all mentioned models, unbraked trailers have a legal legislative maximum of 750 kg.

Conclusion: If towing capacity is an absolute priority for you and you are considering a more economical plug-in hybrid powertrain, the four-year-old Audi A8 offers uncompromising parameters across its entire range. However, if you choose pure internal combustion six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines, both cars will serve you as perfectly equal, strong, and stable workhorses.

Comparing the engine options between the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series reveals two distinct approaches to powering luxury limousines, which is a crucial factor for those interested in a approximately four-year-old used car in terms of performance, fuel consumption, and reliability. While the Audi A8 (D5 generation) across most of its power units relies on 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology for smoother operation and optimized consumption, the BMW 7 Series (in its facelifted G11/G12 LCI generation) counters with uncompromising dynamics and some of the most sophisticated straight-six engines on the market. An interesting point is the historical approach to top-tier diesel engines – BMW in the 750d version used a unique straight-six diesel boosted by four turbochargers, while Audi countered with the 60 TDI, a massive V8 diesel with crushing torque. However, both of these extreme diesel variants ended in 2020 due to stricter emission standards and no longer appear on the market for younger used cars. Today, the standard offering from both brands logically consists of popular and proven three-liter diesels, while those who prefer silence can also choose from advanced plug-in hybrids or powerful petrol V8s, which in both rivals are paired with advanced eight-speed automatics and intelligent all-wheel drive.

Under the hood of the Audi A8 (D5), you'll find exclusively sophisticated turbocharged units, which from the start have been paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and, in most versions, also with permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The basic, yet most logical choice for high highway mileage, is the three-liter V8 diesel 50 TDI with 210 kW. The petrol range opens with the 55 TFSI six-cylinder with 250 kW, above which sits the refined 60 TFSI petrol V8 with 338 kW. Fans of locally emission-free driving and frequent charging will appreciate the 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid with a generous system output of 340 kW. As evidenced by available production data for the model years, the vast majority of these units have been sold without interruption in recent years and are commonly available on the nearly-new used car market. The only, yet for diesel fans very disappointing exception, is the top-tier 60 TDI diesel V8 (320 kW). This was completely withdrawn from price lists and production at the end of 2020 and unfortunately, you will no longer find it in popular four-year-old cars.

Audi A8 (D5) Engines

The rival BMW 7 Series (G11/G12 LCI generation) unerringly relies on honest and driver-focused straight-six engines, which are successfully complemented in the higher echelons of the price list by top-tier V8 engines, all paired with the perfectly tuned eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Low highway consumption and velvety smoothness are offered by the 730d diesel base with 210 kW, which is ably supplemented for more demanding and dynamically minded users by the boosted 740d mild-hybrid version producing 250 kW. Similar to the case of the discontinued diesel V8 at Audi, BMW availability data clearly confirms the end of an engineering era – the technological gem in the form of the quad-turbo diesel unit (750d with 294 kW) officially ceased production during 2020 and is absolutely unavailable in the age category around four years. The petrol range of the Bavarian car traditionally opens with the 740i six-cylinder (250 kW), while for true connoisseurs, the massive 750i V8 with a breathtaking 390 kW is reserved, although data shows the end of European sales with the arrival of 2022. Daily commuting in the city is then perfectly handled in terms of efficiency by the 745e plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 290 kW. The choice between these engine palettes thus always fully reflects personal preferences – for those who devour kilometers, the 50 TDI and 730d six-cylinder diesels are a sensible and robust base, but more sportily inclined drivers usually reach for the agile petrol variants from Munich.

BMW 7 Series (G11/G12 LCI) Engines

Choosing the right engine is critical for long-term user satisfaction with used luxury sedans, which is why our recommendation is primarily based on the balance of performance, real-world fuel consumption, owner feedback, and proven mechanical reliability. Looking at cars approximately 4 years old (Audi A8 generation D5 and BMW 7 Series generation G11/G12 after the facelift), we find fascinating examples of engineering under the hoods. An interesting historical fact is the pursuit of extremes at the beginning of production for both generations – Audi deployed a massive 60 TDI V8 diesel, and BMW countered with the complex quad-turbocharged 750d inline-six. However, as is clearly evident from available databases (where the AVAILABLE_YEARS data for both these engines ends as early as 2020), these technically over-complicated niche engines are no longer available. The market has proven that for reliable luxury travel, refined three-liter six-cylinders represent the most sensible choice, a brief comparison of which can be found in the text and table below.

For the Audi A8, we recommend: 50 TDI quattro, 210 kW

This diesel six-cylinder (engine code EA897evo) is an absolutely unbeatable all-rounder in the D5 generation lineup and makes the most sense by far from a long-term operating cost perspective.

• Why it's the best: It offers exceptionally smooth pull and massive torque of 600 Nm, which perfectly suits the majestic and primarily comfort-oriented character of the Audi A8. In direct comparison with gasoline versions, it can drive such a heavy car much more efficiently, usually with real-world consumption between 7.5 and 8.5 l/100 km. While the older and more powerful V8s gradually dropped out of the catalogs due to extreme emission and service demands, this engine has proven to be an exceptionally robust workhorse forming the backbone of the range.
• Technical specifics and risks: All A8 models of this generation utilize a 48V mild-hybrid system, which smooths operation and improves fuel economy but also introduces additional components. The most common concern and weak point of four-year-old used cars is the failure of the belt starter-generator (BSG). This is a component whose failure leads to a complete loss of charging, which can immobilize the car without warning. How to detect it: During a test drive, be especially alert for any unevenness in the start-stop system, suspicious mechanical noises from the belt at idle, or any error messages regarding the vehicle's electrical network appearing on the dashboard. Before buying a used car, strictly insist on a deep diagnostic scan, where network errors can be detected before a "red warning light" appears on the instrument cluster.
• Who it's ideal for: This engine will delight drivers who cover long highway distances. It offers a huge range on a single tank, effortlessly confident overtaking, and a perfectly isolated acoustic performance that is directly built for long executive trips or cross-border travel.

For the BMW 7 Series, we recommend: 730d / 740d xDrive, 195–250 kW

The diesel inline-six from BMW's B57 family is considered an absolute legend in the world of large luxury sedans and fits the 7 Series best of all due to its refined architecture.

• Why it's the best: It brings a unique symbiosis of the velvety operation typical of an inline layout, lightning-fast throttle response, and fantastic fuel economy. Furthermore, the linear power delivery works perfectly with the phenomenal ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. As mentioned in the text above the table, the extreme 750d version became a thing of the past by 2020, which is good news for used car buyers – the less powerful versions with two (or in the case of the 30d, one) turbochargers are significantly more service-friendly without realistically depriving the driver of dynamics in normal traffic.
• Technical specifics and risks: In practice, this is an exceptionally reliable power unit that can surprisingly push average consumption below 7 l/100 km during calm driving. However, a major risk here is the way it is used. Frequent operation in city traffic jams and lugging the engine with cold oil lead to gradual carbon buildup in the intake ports and very rapid clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Neglected system flow can ultimately lead to expensive turbocharger destruction. How to detect it: Thoroughly check the vehicle's history. Use authorized diagnostics before purchase to read the DPF backpressure values and its regeneration history. During the test drive, the engine must not stutter in any way at low RPM under load, and after stopping, the exhaust system must not smell of acrid smoke, which usually indicates an impending problem.
• Who it's ideal for: This diesel engine is literally tailor-made for dynamically minded drivers who, even in a car weighing over two tons, still like to feel a mechanical connection with the power unit and require uncompromising pull. However, it is only worth it if the car is used primarily outside of large cities for faster highway stretches.

When buying a used luxury sedan, it is important to take official fuel consumption figures with a grain of salt. Car manufacturers often state laboratory values (now according to the WLTP standard) that are difficult to achieve in normal traffic – especially with fully equipped vehicles easily weighing over two tons. Reality on the road shows that consumption depends primarily on driving style and the profile of your daily routes. For the most accurate and objective picture possible, we used user data from the reliable crowdsourcing platform Spritmonitor.de, which reflects the real long-term experiences of drivers with approximately four-year-old used cars (Audi D5 generation and BMW G11/G12 facelift).

The collected data clearly shows that diesel six-cylinder engines remain the absolutely most rational choice for both models in terms of operating economy. Bavarian diesel engines (especially the 730d and 740d versions) have historically been considered some of the most economical and efficient units in their class, as evidenced by real consumption of just over 7 litres per hundred kilometres. The Audi A8 in the very popular 50 TDI version lags only slightly behind its Munich rival and, with an average value of 7.6 l/100 km, still offers an impressive result for a heavy sedan with permanent quattro all-wheel drive. For purely petrol variants, on the other hand, be prepared for stable double-digit values; the powerful Bavarian V8 in the BMW 750i will require over 11 litres, but it will reward you with phenomenal dynamics and crushing pull. A very interesting and often surprising finding are the plug-in hybrids (60 TFSI e and 745e). Their consumption averages around 5.5 litres, but this figure hides a big "but". In practice, the hybrid drive does not save nearly as much fuel if you do not use it correctly. With a discharged battery on longer routes, their consumption very quickly equals that of classic purely petrol engines due to the hundreds of kilograms of extra ballast (battery and electric motor).

What do these values mean for a typical used car buyer? If you are a classic motorway mile-muncher and spend hours on long routes, diesel six-cylinders like the 50 TDI or 730d have no competition and guarantee you excellent travel comfort with a huge range on a single tank. Conversely, for managers or owners who often commute around the city during the week and have the opportunity to regularly charge their vehicle at home or in an underground garage at work, the plug-in hybrid version makes great economic sense. Powerful petrol six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines are then primarily intended for automotive connoisseurs who do not look at the budget and demand maximum acoustic refinement from their car.

In conclusion, it can be said with certainty that fuel consumption will likely not be the main deciding factor that would sway you towards one car or the other. In the luxury flagship segment, where purchase prices of four-year-old used cars still reach well over €41,000 and where the greatest financial burden consists of depreciation, insurance, and the prices of original spare parts, a difference of half a litre of fuel plays an almost negligible role in the total cost of ownership (TCO). Nevertheless, in terms of range itself and excellent engineering efficiency, the Bavarian 7 Series with a diesel engine comes out as a slightly better and more economical traveler than its Ingolstadt competitor.

Used Car Price Comparison: Audi A8 vs. BMW 7 Series

How do both flagships stand on the used car market after about four years?

Both luxury limousines, the Audi A8 (D5 generation) and the BMW 7 Series (G11/G12 generation after the 2019–2022 facelift), are absolute synonyms for the most advanced technology available and maximum passenger comfort. As brand-new models, they reached astronomical list prices, often exceeding €144,000. However, in the highest segment, used cars experience a fatal drop in value. For a buyer of a roughly four-year-old vehicle, this means a clear advantage: the chance to acquire a top-equipped executive car for a fraction of the original price.

Price Range (cars approximately 4 years old)

When looking for relevant model years for the modern used car market (2021 and 2022), prices for both manufacturers fall within a very similar range. The final market value is extremely dependent on the chosen equipment (whether it is the extended version designated L/Long, premium audio systems, massage seats for rear passengers), a meticulous maintenance history, and logically, the mileage.

What to expect for your money in the listings?

• Audi A8 (D5): On the secondary market, you will most frequently encounter diesel engines labeled 50 TDI (three-liter six-cylinder) and powerful gasoline versions 55 TFSI. Prices for used cars with mileage slightly over 100,000 kilometers can start very close to the €45,000 mark. Audi often shows slightly faster depreciation of the initial price on the market. This results in a major advantage for the used car buyer – absolute comfort can be acquired for an exceptionally accessible initial investment.
• BMW 7 Series (G11/G12 LCI): Facelifted "7 Series" models with unmistakably enlarged kidney grilles dominate the market with legendary and highly sought-after 730d or 740d xDrive engines. Very well-serviced units start at roughly €47,000 to €49,000. The Munich representative holds its residual value slightly better. Desirable high-performance 750i xDrive versions with a powerful V8 engine then easily exceed the €62,000 mark.

Beware of the premium class abyss

At around four years of age, vehicles experience the most massive shedding of original value, with the total price drop commonly amounting to around 50%. Although acquiring a formerly €123,000 A8 or 7 Series is tempting due to the low price tag, it is important to think ahead regarding subsequent operation. Sophisticated air suspensions with active elements, a wealth of assistance and safety electronics, or expensive laser/OLED headlights mean that even minor post-warranty defects can easily swallow several thousand euros, regardless of whether you choose the four rings or the blue and white propeller.

When evaluating the safety of used cars, we usually rely on five-star ratings from Euro NCAP laboratories. Although we automatically expect the maximum star rating for most premium cars of this size and price category, it is always crucial to know the broader context and the year of testing. Test protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter – today, they include, for example, advanced cyclist detection, complex intersection scenarios, and new ways of simulating frontal impacts. Previous percentage gains thus cannot be directly compared with modern strict limits. Furthermore, with luxury flagships such as the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series, we encounter a specific situation: due to their high purchase price and lower sales volumes, the European organization does not select them for crash tests at all.

Audi A8: Predictive protection first

Since the current Audi A8 (D5 generation) has not undergone independent crash tests, it is not possible to state under which protocols or in which year it would have been certified. All percentage data for occupant protection is therefore missing. However, its uncompromising safety is evidenced by shared technologies that regularly achieve maximum ratings in its group siblings. A vehicle from around 2022 features the advanced Audi pre sense 360° system. This constantly monitors the surroundings using radars and cameras, and if the system evaluates an approaching side impact as inevitable, the predictive active air suspension can raise the threatened side of the body by up to 8 centimeters within a fraction of a second. The destructive force is thus redirected into the exceptionally strong lower structure of the sills. Additionally, the car features a center airbag to protect against head collisions between front-seat passengers, as well as a night vision assistant.

BMW 7 Series: Extreme rigidity of carbon fibers

The Bavarian competitor in its 2019–2022 version (G11/G12 LCI generation) was also not officially tested by Euro NCAP, and therefore offers no rating percentages in the tables. However, the absence of a certificate certainly does not mean compromises. For this generation, BMW took the path of the innovative Carbon Core architecture. In the construction of the support frame, steel and aluminum are precisely combined with carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, ensuring extraordinary structural rigidity in any accident. Active prevention, represented by the Driving Assistant Professional package, is also at an excellent level. This handles not only perfectly smooth semi-autonomous driving but also evasive maneuvers and lightning-fast automatic braking calibrated for pedestrian and cyclist detection.

In conclusion, both the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 Series offer more comprehensive and modern safety equipment even without certificates than smaller cars adorned with five stars from independent tests. Both limousines set technological trends. The choice regarding safety is more or less a draw: while Audi pulls a unique suspension lift during a side impact out of its sleeve, BMW counters with the phenomenal rigidity of its carbon skeleton. From the perspective of current standards, both used cars provide the absolute maximum on the road.

Both luxury sedans offer much more than just basic and premium equipment; each of them approaches added value, technological innovation, and maximum comfort in a completely distinctive way.

Audi A8: Technological Precision and Predictive Comfort

• Chassis and Safety: The advanced predictive active suspension uses a front camera to continuously read the road surface and instantly adjusts the suspension for each wheel individually. In the event of an imminent side impact, it can also quickly raise the body on the threatened side by up to 80 millimetres, directing the impact energy into the strongest parts of the frame and protecting the occupants.
• Innovative Lighting: Digital Matrix LED headlights function essentially as high-resolution video projectors thanks to DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) technology and can project navigation lanes onto the road. The rear OLED lights feature a proximity detection function – they light up all segments at full intensity as soon as another vehicle approaches from behind within less than two metres.
• Rear Seat Comfort: The top-of-the-line version offers a so-called relaxation seat on the right rear side. Here, the passenger can not only adjust the backrest and enjoy a back massage but also have their feet heated and massaged on a special fold-out platform integrated into the backrest of the front seat.
• Sporting Peak: For drivers who demand dynamics, the manufacturer offers the S8 model. It combines traditional luxury with the uncompromising dynamics of a V8 engine, standard predictive suspension, a sport differential, and all-wheel steering.

BMW 7 Series: Cinematic Experience and Avant-Garde Design

• Infotainment and Rear Entertainment: A unique feature of this generation is the optional BMW Theatre Screen – an ultra-wide 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen that folds down from the ceiling. Combined with the built-in Amazon Fire TV system and Bowers & Wilkins surround sound, it transforms the rear seats into a private cinema.
• Interior Design and Controls: The dashboard is dominated by the BMW Interaction Bar. This is an innovative, backlit crystalline bar that stretches across the entire width of the interior and extends into the doors. It integrates dynamic ambient lighting with touch controls for the air conditioning or opening storage compartments.
• Automatic Functions: Fully automatic doors contribute to maximum comfort. They can be opened and closed by pressing a button in the interior, touching the exterior handle, or even remotely via a smartphone (My BMW app). Furthermore, the doors are equipped with sensors to prevent them from hitting an obstacle.
• Exterior Aesthetics: The front of the car is defined by the illuminated Iconic Glow kidney grille. The striking design is enhanced by optional split headlights, whose upper daytime running light segments can be made of Swarovski crystals, creating a unique lighting effect.
• Powertrain Variety: This generation is unique in that, alongside traditional internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrids (including sport-tuned M Performance models), it offered the fully electric i7 variant right from the start. The electric vehicle is visually, spatially, and in terms of comfort, completely equivalent to the internal combustion engine versions.

Audi A8 is an ideal choice for buyers looking for ultimate comfort, silence, and understated luxury without unnecessary flashiness. The car is perfect for devouring highway miles and will especially please calmer drivers or passengers who enjoy riding in the rear seats.

BMW 7 Series will appeal to demanding managers and entrepreneurs who enjoy driving their luxury limousine themselves and require precise feedback and a sportier feel. It represents an excellent compromise between top-tier technology, a prestigious appearance, and genuine driving pleasure.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, recalls, and our CarAudit service, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of these used luxury limousines should watch out for.

The Audi A8 (D5 generation) is considered a technological showcase, but the vast amount of electronics and complex powertrains sometimes take their toll as mileage increases.

• Mild-hybrid system (48V): A well-known and relatively common problem, especially with V6 and V8 engines, is the failure of the belt-driven starter-generator (BSG). If the system fails, the car can lose electrical power while driving and requires an immediate tow.
• Electronics and infotainment: Owners often complain about MMI system freezes, black screens, or connection drops with the myAudi mobile app. Fortunately, most of these issues are resolved by software updates.
• Air suspension: Due to the car's high weight, units with higher mileage may experience pressure leaks from the air springs or compressor wear, leading to the car "sagging" on one side. Therefore, a thorough physical inspection of the used car is essential before purchase.
• Assistance systems: The complex network of sensors and cameras (e.g., for the pre-sense system) is sensitive to correct calibration. A minor bumper tap or windshield replacement can mean expensive service adjustment.
• Diesel engines (50 TDI): If the previous owner used the car mainly for short city trips, problems with diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging and urea dosing system (AdBlue) failures occur.

The BMW 7 Series (especially after the G11/G12 generation facelift) offers top-tier driving characteristics but requires absolutely pedantic maintenance; otherwise, unexpected and expensive service interventions are a risk.

• Suspension and steering: Air suspension suffers similarly to Audi from material fatigue, and leaks are a risk after years of operation. Knocking from the front axle or problems with play in the integral active steering rack also appear.
• V8 petrol engines (750i): Although the newer version of the engine (N63) is significantly more reliable than earlier years, it can still suffer from increased oil consumption and heat stress. Neglected oil changes will backfire cruelly here.
• Cooling and fluid leaks: Relatively common are minor coolant leaks from hoses, cracking expansion tanks, or the water pump, even in otherwise reliable six-cylinder engines. An independent technical inspection of the car should focus on signs of fluid leaks on the lower engine covers during purchase.
• Plug-in hybrids (745e): In electrified versions, failures of onboard charging modules or high-voltage network error messages occasionally occur, the diagnosis of which requires specialized service.
• Interior wear and electronics: Although the craftsmanship is at a high level, more heavily used units may experience creaking of interior trim or occasional freezing of the iDrive system and hand gesture control.

When buying a used luxury car, a thorough inspection is crucial because repairs on these technologically extremely complex cars can be exceptionally costly. Here are several specific points to focus on for these two models, while a Comprehensive Car Audit should be an absolute matter of course.

When choosing an Audi A8:

• Air suspension condition: The standard adaptive air suspension must function flawlessly. During the test drive, try all height modes. If the car rises too slowly or "kneels" on one of the wheels after standing overnight, it indicates an air leak or a worn compressor. A detailed physical inspection of the used car on a lift is essential here.
• Condition of the 48V mild-hybrid system: Most engines in this generation use a 48V starter-generator. Monitor the system's behavior when the start-stop mode is activated – the engine restart must be silky smooth and instantaneous. Check the dashboard for any warnings regarding the electrical network, which is often a precursor to an expensive alternator replacement.
• Tiptronic gearbox behavior: The eight-speed automatic from ZF should shift completely imperceptibly. Focus on downshifting from second to first gear when coming to a stop at an intersection. Jerking or hesitation can mean a software update is needed or a budding problem with the mechatronics.
• Touchscreens and MMI system: The dual-display architecture is prone to software freezes in early software versions. Check the haptic feedback response across the entire screen surface, the smoothness of animations, and the functionality of all 360-degree system cameras, which can fail due to moisture ingress.
• Calibration of assistance systems: Radar sensors and LiDAR (in older models) in the front bumper are very vulnerable to stone chips. A damaged sensor not only disables the adaptive cruise control, but its replacement and subsequent calibration cost thousands of euros.

When choosing a BMW 7 Series:

• Battery capacity for the PHEV version (e.g., 745e): If you are buying a plug-in hybrid variant, check the estimated pure electric range on the display when fully charged. A value significantly lower than the declared approx. 50 km indicates battery degradation. Also, test the smoothness of the transition from electric to combustion power during sharp acceleration.
• xDrive system functionality: For all-wheel drive, focus on the transfer case. During a low-speed test drive with the wheels at full lock, the car must not jerk, and there should be no humming from the chassis. Neglected oil changes in this unit lead to rapid wear of the clutch plates.
• Fluid leaks in six- and eight-cylinder engines: BMW's diesel and petrol engines are excellent, but they can suffer from coolant leaks or oil seeping around the valve cover and oil filter housing. A careful technical inspection of the car with diagnostics and a visual check of the engine compartment from below is a necessity for a used "Seven."
• Air suspension and rear-wheel steering: Similar to the Audi, air suspension is standard here. Focus on the quiet operation of the compressor. If the vehicle is equipped with Integral Active Steering (rear-axle steering), the car must not behave nervously when driving over bumps in a corner, which would indicate worn rear axle bushings.
• iDrive system and Display Key: Check the stability of the iDrive interface and the reliability of gesture control, if equipped. Pay great attention to the Display Key – its battery often loses capacity after years, the display may have dead pixels, and replacing it with a new key is a very expensive item.

Sources: ADAC, forbes.cz, idnes.cz, automix.cz, elektromobil.cz, f1sport.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.