A8 D4 vs 7 Series F01: which is better?
Audi A8 D4 (2010–2017) vs BMW 7 Series F01 (2008–2015): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A8 D4
BMW 7 Series F01Specifications
| Audi A8 D4 | BMW 7 Series F01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2017 | 2008–2015 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 TFSI | 3.0 Turbo (740i) |
| Power, up to | 290 hp | 326 hp |
| Torque, up to | 420 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 137 mm | 5 072 mm |
| Width | 1 949 mm | 1 902 mm |
| Height | 1 460 mm | 1 479 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 992 mm | 3 070 mm |
| Fuel tank | 82 L | 82 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A8 D4
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Powerful versions: up to 290 hp
- Large fuel tank: 82 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
BMW 7 Series F01
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Powerful versions: up to 326 hp
- Large fuel tank: 82 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo): oil leaks from the filter housing and oil cooler
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo)): oil leaks from the filter housing and heat exchanger; wastegate rattle; electric water pump failure; on the N54 — injectors and high-pressure fuel pump.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- 7 Series F01 — if you care more about: power, 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 D4 or 7 Series F01?
A8 D4: up to 290 hp, 7 Series F01: up to 326 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A8 D4 — about 42 425 ₸, 7 Series F01 — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.