Jump for Joy Viral Videos - BMW vs Audi Ad Wars Revs Up

It's hard to say who started the offensive, but those "Audi vs everyone else" viral videos started getting popular in USA first with the "Meet the Beckers series." And then Audi's offensive continued with their 2009 Superbowl TV ad, which again pokes jibes at its competitors.

During the North American launch of the Audi Q5, Audi of America directed their sarcasm towards the Lexus RX.

Audi then took these cheeky ads to the sunshine state of California and started a billboard war in Santa Monica.


BMW of USA recently retaliated with its own viral video, themed "Jump for Joy," that pokes fun of Audi drivers. Have a look at it below.

What do you think?
I am still not sure of the message though. Audi drivers can't do stunts to get into their cars? Also, I am not sure why an older B7 A4 is used rather than the current B8 generation model. Too beautiful for the video? Still, it's all in good humour. I love these German automotive civil wars.

For some reason, ads are a bit more bland in Europe and Asia. BMW did try to pick a fight with Audi by putting up the ad below in Audi's hometown of Ingolstadt. Apparently, this particular billboard is located within a stone throw away from Audi's flagship Audi Zentrum store in Ingolstadt.

Even non-German speaking readers can spot the play of words with Audi's "Vorsprung durch Technik" (Advancement through technology) tagline. Freude simply means pleasure or joy. The text below "Freudde Beginnt Mit Dem Neuen BMW Z4 Roadster" simply means Joy Begins With a New BMW Z4 Roadster.

The most provocative Audi ad I have come across in Australia is one done in response to a former BMW of Australia MD's comments that Audi is not a true luxury marque because its cars are not RWD.


Personally, I think it is a good sign when a company or a team doesn't take itself too seriously and is able to look at themselves, have a good laugh over a cup of smooth German beer and then goes on to develop some of the best cars in the world. I am referring to both BMW and Audi. There is no more doubt regarding Audi's coming of age, though it has taken them longer to reach here than BMW (which have a shorter history than Audi's Auto Union lineage). Competition brings out the best of the breed. And along the way, regular folks like us get to sit on the sidelines and have a good laugh.

Related link
Meet the Beckers. Audi's viral video
Billboard War - Audi vs BMW
Transporter 3. Yes it's with the A8 again