2025 Aston Martin DB12 vs 2026 Audi A8

$245,000 · Coupe

$95,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between raw, exhilarating performance and refined, pragmatic luxury often boils down to your daily requirements, and this comparison between the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and the 2026 Audi A8 highlights that divide perfectly. If sheer horsepower is your priority, the DB12 blasts ahead with 671 hp versus the A8's 335 hp, a staggering difference of 336 hp. However, that thrill comes at a steep cost: the DB12 costs $245,000 compared to the A8's $95,100 MSRP, creating a $149,900 gulf. Commuting favors the A8, which achieves a better 22 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the DB12's 17 MPG. While the DB12 offers intoxicating speed, the A8 provides superior practicality with its larger sedan dimensions and AWD stability for everyday driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi A8

The Audi A8 wins for commuters due to its better combined MPG rating of 22 versus the DB12's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi A8

As a sedan, the A8 is inherently more practical for passenger duties than the two-door DB12 Coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Aston Martin DB12

The Aston Martin DB12 offers nearly double the power with 671 hp and a sportier RWD layout ideal for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi A8

The Audi A8 is substantially cheaper at $95,100 and offers more sensible performance metrics than the $245,000 DB12.

Choose the Aston Martin DB12 if...

You desire blistering performance, headlined by the DB12's massive 671 hp output.
You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Budget is irrelevant, and your primary goal is owning an exclusive, high-performance GT car.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

You need daily usability, supported by the A8's all-wheel drive and 27 Highway MPG.
Saving $149,900 on the initial purchase price is a major consideration.
You require the larger interior and overall size of a 209.5-inch sedan.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Aston Martin DB12	Audi A8
Length	186.0"	209.5"
Width	76.5"	76.6"
Height	51.0"	58.3"
Wheelbase	110.4"	123.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	671 hp @ 6000 rpm	335 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	19/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	309.0/453.2 mi.	412.3/585.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.6 gal.	21.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	390W	730W
Speaker System	11	17
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	45.1 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	18-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	18-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Fixed Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	57.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	325/30R Z	265/40R20
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	10 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and 2026 Audi A8.

What is the true cost difference between running these two cars?

The MSRP difference is $149,900 in favor of the Audi A8, starting at $95,100 versus the DB12's $245,000. Furthermore, the A8 saves you money on fuel, achieving 22 MPG combined compared to the DB12's 17 MPG.

Is the Aston Martin DB12 practical enough for weekly driving?

The DB12 is much less practical; it is a low-slung coupe standing only 51.0 inches tall and offers less everyday refinement. While it has decent highway range at 22 MPG, its 15 MPG city rating makes routine trips less economical.

Why does the Audi A8 have significantly more horsepower?

The 2026 Audi A8 produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is focused on smooth, all-weather touring. The DB12, conversely, is built for excitement, boasting 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Which car is better suited for snowy or inclement weather?

The 2026 Audi A8 is the clear winner here as it comes standard with an all-wheel drive system, providing superior traction compared to the rear-wheel-drive setup of the Aston Martin DB12.

How do the physical dimensions affect daily life?

The Audi A8 is significantly longer at 209.5 inches compared to the DB12's 186.0 inches, making it a full-size luxury sedan, while the DB12 is a more compact (though wider at 76.5 inches) sports coupe.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and the 2026 Audi A8 require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, though the DB12 only recommends it while the A8 mandates it.