Known for expert craftsmanship, design, and attention to detail, luxury automakers also lead the market when it comes to performance innovation and technology. Turbocharging, efficiency, and optimal performance are the key ingredients to luxury engine building, and there's no doubt that drivers will take notice and enjoy each commute, road trip, or errand run.
So how do four of the top luxury brands compare when it comes to engine technology? The specialists at Audi Hoffman Estates have put together an overview of Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz engines and performance specifications to help you decide which brand has the power, performance, and capabilities you're looking for.
If you already have an Audi in mind, look through our new vehicle inventory for available luxury sedans and SUVs at our dealership near Schaumburg, IL.
Audi
Audi sedans and SUVs are equipped with TFSI® engine technology. Blending direct injection with forced supercharging or turbocharging, TFSI® technology offers greater power output and thus better fuel efficiency. In fact, Audi is the first manufacturer in the world to engineer a turbocharged direct injection engine. 184-HP 2.0L and 349-HP 3.0L TFSI® engines are available on Audi sedans, while 248-HP 2.0L and 335-HP 3.0L TFSI® engines are available on Audi SUVs.
Tiptronic® transmissions are also paired with all TFSI® engines. The Tiptronic® transmission essentially memorizes how the car is driven and will adapt to various road conditions and driving styles. Many models are also equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive, which is the first permanent all-wheel drive system for passenger cars.
BMW
You'll find engine technology like TwinPower Turbo in many BMW models, which incorporates BMW-exclusive High Precision Direct Injection and additional advancements. M Performance V6 power also focuses on efficiency blended with breathtaking power. BMW sedans are equipped with 225-HP 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engines and 335-HP 3.0L TwinPower 6-cylinder engines. SUVs are equipped with 248-HP 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engines and the same 3.0L engine that is featured on BMW sedans.
As for transmission, the 8-speed steptronic automatic transmission is common among the BMW lineup. This transmission allows you to choose between a manual and automatic mode so that you can have the best of both worlds. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are also available on BMW models.
Lexus
While Lexus engine options are dynamic in their own right, the technology is not exclusive to the brand like BMW and Audi models. Still, the engine power equipped on Lexus sedans and SUVs is noteworthy. You'll find a 302-HP 3.5L V6 engine on certain Lexus sedans, as well as a 416-HP 3.5L V6 engine. Lexus SUVs are available to equip with a 235-HP 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, as well as a 301-HP 4.6L V8 engine for additional performance capabilities.
As for drivetrain, Lexus buyers will appreciate the exceptional engineering of the equipment on these luxury sedans and SUVs. Automatic transmissions available include a 6-speed automatic to a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive are common throughout the Lexus sedan and SUV lineup.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz models features twin-scroll and direct injection engine technology. This technology delivers unstoppable power alongside better fuel economy so Mercedes-Benz drivers can soar to their next destination without frequent fill-ups. C-Series sedans, for instance, are available with a 255-HP 2.0L I4 turbo engine, while S-Class sedans feature a 362-HP 3.0L V6 engine. SUV drivers are in store for a fantastic performance as well. GLC models are available with 241-HP 2.0L I4 turbo engines, while the G-Class SUV has a 416-HP 4.0L V8 engine.
A common transmission throughout the Mercedes-Benz lineup is the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, which also happens to be the world's first 9-speed transmission. Drivers are also able to choose from rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, a brand exclusive to Mercedes-Benz. 4MATIC technology engages all four wheels for the best traction possible.