specialist vehicle hire - head to head
BMW vs Volkswagen
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| BMW | Volkswagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | Germany (Munich) | Germany (Wolfsburg) |
| Making trailers since | 1916 | 1937 |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | executive cars, SUVs, electric vehicles | cars, vans |
| Best known for | i3 | Golf |
Choose BMW if...
A major German carmaker whose i3 was an early, distinctive mass-production electric car, still run by specialist EV hire fleets alongside BMW's mainstream saloons and SUVs.
Look at: i3, 5 Series
Full BMW profile →Choose Volkswagen if...
Volkswagen is a major German car maker whose Golf is one of the best-known hatchbacks in Europe. It is a common choice for self-drive hire fleets wanting an easy, reliable everyday car.
Look at: Golf
Full Volkswagen profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
BMW vs Volkswagen - common questions
Is BMW better than Volkswagen?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. A major German carmaker whose i3 was an early, distinctive mass-production electric car, still run by specialist EV hire fleets alongside BMW's mainstream saloons and SUVs. Volkswagen is a major German car maker whose Golf is one of the best-known hatchbacks in Europe. It is a common choice for self-drive hire fleets wanting an easy, reliable everyday car.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, BMW or Volkswagen?
BMW: Widely available on the UK new, used and specialist EV hire markets. Volkswagen: One of the most common cars in UK self-drive hire fleets.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.