4.5
5.2
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Founded in 1910, Audi AG is a German automaker with one of the best-selling luxury brands in the world. The company offers a diverse model lineup of convertibles, SUVs, sedans, and crossovers.
Audi Quattro, the world’s top-selling premium all-wheel-drive system, debuted in 1980 and became the first permanent all-wheel-drive system for passenger cars. Designed to be tested in snowy and icy conditions, this technology enhances performance and traction in wet weather conditions, as well as dry ones. It has been used by Audi Sport’s rally car racing teams and helps their cars perform on the course. Different production models even have different Quattro systems for different performance needs.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Diverse Lineup
- Future Tech
- Satisfaction
Diverse Lineup
Coupes, convertibles, SUVs, crossovers, wagons, sedans, and sportbacks are all available from Audi.
The company also offers Audi Sport vehicles designed and developed by motorsport engineers. These vehicles include special all-wheel-drive systems to help with precision turning.
Future Tech
Audi has a history of innovation with its Quattro AWD performance technology, and that was just the beginning. The company is working with Sanyo on battery technology and has invested $15.9 billion in e-mobility and self-driving cars. Additionally, Audi’s E-tron fully-electric SUV is taking reservations for Spring 2019 delivery.
Satisfaction
In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, Audi ranked among the top 7 auto brands out of 28 measured and has the best standing of any German auto brand.
The Bad
- Powertrain Warranty
- Diesel Emissions Issues
- Takata Recall
Powertrain Warranty
Audi has a simple warranty policy. It combines the basic and powertrain warranties into one policy lasting for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. While this is a good period of time for the basic warranty, it falls behind when it comes to powertrain components. Many other brands warranty a powertrain policy for at least 5 or 6 years.
Diesel Emissions Issues
As a Volkswagen brand, 13,000 Audis were included in the diesel emissions scandal that happened in the 2010s. Under the court settlements, owners and lessees of involved Audi 3.0L TDI and Audi 2.0L TDI vehicles may be eligible for buyback, lease termination, emissions modification, or cash settlements.
Takata Recall
Various Audi models are included in the ongoing Takata airbag recall:
- 2006 to 2013 Audi A3
- 2005 to 2008 Audi A4 Avant
- 2006 to 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2005 to 2008 Audi A4 Sedan
- 2010 to 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet
- 2003 to 2011 Audi A6 Avant
- 2005 to 2011 Audi A6 Sedan
- 2009 to 2012 Audi Q5
- 2017 Audi R8
- 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
- 2007 to 2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan
- 2005 to 2008 Audi S4 Avant
- 2007 to 2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
- 2005 to 2008 Audi S4 Sedan
- 2010 to 2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet
- 2007 to 2011 Audi S6 Sedan
- 2016 to 2017 Audi TT
If your car is on this list, make sure to check your VIN with Audi to see if your car is affected.
The Bottom Line
Audi offers sophisticated road vehicles capable of premium performance. While these vehicles are built for the road, the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system makes them adept at handling any weather conditions.
The brand offers a lesser powertrain warranty, but great consumer satisfaction scores. Audi is still recovering from involvement with the diesel emissions scandal; however, the upcoming release of the fully-electric E-Tron SUV should help in that regard.
