Audi e-tron vs BMW X7 G07: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the BMW X7 G07 (6.3/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Audi e-tron (5.8/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Audi e-tron | BMW X7 G07 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Mid-size SUV | Mid-size SUV |
| Years | 2019–2025 | 2018–today |
| MotorFiable Score | 5.8 out of 10 | 6.3 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 5.7/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Most recommended engine | Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron · Buy | BMW B57 · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 5.9/10 | 5.6/10 |
| Suspension | 7.0 out of 102 faultsCritical severity | 6.9 out of 100 faults |
| Brakes | 6.8 out of 103 faultsCritical severity | 7.0 out of 102 faultsCritical severity |
| Electrical system | No documented faults | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Airbags and safety | No documented faults | 5.2 out of 103 faultsCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Audi e-tron
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesElectromechanical brake booster failure and corrosion of the brake pressure unit (ABS/ESC)In 2021 Audi recalled two batches of the e-tron because of the electromechanical brake booster (2,303 cars, recall 47R1) and the corrosion of the brake pressure unit (361, recall 47R7). Both can affect the brake booster, the ABS and the ESC and lengthen the braking distance.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBolt on the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster that can work looseAudi first recalled a small batch of 2019 e-trons (recall 46P6) and, in 2026, about 96,000 e-trons and Q8 e-trons worldwide because of the bolted connection of the rod between the brake pedal and the brake booster, which can work loose. It is checked and tightened free of charge.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesOvertightened bolts on the brake hoses of the Q8 e-tron (2023-2024)In 2024 Audi recalled 284 Q8 e-trons and Q8 e-tron Sportbacks built between May 2023 and March 2024 because overtightened bolts on the brake hoses can break, causing a brake fluid leak and the failure of one circuit.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tron / Q8 e-tronBattery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fireYes: in February 2024 Audi recalled 42,668 e-trons and e-tron Sportbacks built between March 2018 and March 2022 (1,453 in Germany) because voltage loss in some cell modules can cause thermal overload and fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tron / Q8 e-tronMoisture ingress at the battery connection on the early units (2019)Yes, on the early units: in June 2019 Audi recalled 1,644 e-trons worldwide because moisture could enter the battery connection and cause a short circuit, overheating and, in the worst case, fire.
Main faults of the BMW X7 G07
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesLoss of brake assistance due to integrated braking system (IBS) faultBMW has recalled cars built since June 2022, the X7 among them, because the integrated braking system can unexpectedly lose its hydraulic assistance: you have to press the pedal harder, stopping distances get longer and the ABS and stability control may fail. In 2021 there was another campaign over the hydraulic unit of that system.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesFaulty weld on the hollow shaft of the brake boosterIn January 2025 the Safety Gate published a BMW recall over the brake booster: its hollow shaft is not properly welded and the weld may give way under high brake pressure. It affects cars built between July 2022 and November 2024 (X5, X6 and X7 included), lengthens stopping distances and leaves the ABS and DSC without assistance.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemOverheating of the starter motor and its relay, with a risk of fireSince 2024 BMW has launched several campaigns that include the X7 over the starter motor: insufficient software protection, electrical contacts that overheat, a relay that corrodes through water ingress and a relay with deposits from contact wear. In the worst case there can be a short circuit and a fire, while driving or shortly after parking.
In their engines
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B58Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housingB58s built before 2021 have an oil pump with a plastic rotor housing which, according to US press and retailers, can fail: abnormal oil pressure, a whine and warnings. It is cited on 2019-2020 M340i models without the ZTK package and on X5 and X7 models built before mid-2020.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW B58Oil and coolant leak from the plastic oil filter housingThe B58's plastic oil filter housing can crack or lose its seal with heat and age, letting oil, coolant or both escape. One parts retailer puts the failure between 60,000 and 100,000 miles (roughly 97,000-161,000 km).Appears at around 97,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW B58Oil leak from the valve cover gasketThe rubber gasket on the B58's valve cover hardens with heat cycles and eventually leaks oil: a burning smell, smoke near the cover and oil on the spark plugs. Guides place it between 60,000 and 100,000 miles (97,000-161,000 km).Appears at around 97,000 km