A8 D3 vs 7 Series E65: which is better?
Audi A8 D3 (2002–2010) vs BMW 7 Series E65 (2001–2008): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A8 D3
BMW 7 Series E65Specifications
| Audi A8 D3 | BMW 7 Series E65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2002–2010 | 2001–2008 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 4.2 V8 | 4.4 V8 (745i) |
| Power, up to | 335 hp | 333 hp |
| Torque, up to | 430 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 051 mm | 5 029 mm |
| Width | 1 894 mm | 1 902 mm |
| Height | 1 444 mm | 1 492 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 944 mm | 2 990 mm |
| Fuel tank | 90 L | 88 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 507 425 ₸ | ≈ 508 825 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A8 D3
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 335 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 90 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
BMW 7 Series E65
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 333 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 88 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Which one to choose
- A8 D3 — if you care more about: power, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- 7 Series E65 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: A8 D3 or 7 Series E65?
A8 D3: up to 335 hp, 7 Series E65: up to 333 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A8 D3 — about 507 425 ₸, 7 Series E65 — about 508 825 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.