2025 Aston Martin DB12 vs 2026 Audi S8

$245,000 · Coupe

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between ultimate exotic flair and ultimate daily-driver performance often boils down to budget, and the $115,000 price gap between the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 ($245,000 MSRP) and the 2026 Audi S8 ($130,000 MSRP) is significant. If pure adrenaline is your goal, the DB12 delivers an imposing 671 hp from its twin-turbo V8, overshadowing the S8's 563 hp. However, the S8 offers superior practicality as a sedan, standing taller at 58.5 inches versus the Aston's low 51.0 inches, and benefiting from All-Wheel Drive. While the DB12 achieves a respectable 22 MPG on the highway, the S8 edges it out slightly with 24 MPG highway. Torque parity is interesting; both vehicles boast a substantial 590 lb-ft of pull, but the DB12 brings raw power and style to the party, while the S8 packs accessible, all-weather performance into a larger, $130,000 package.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S8

The Audi S8's sedan configuration, superior height, and standard AWD make it vastly more livable for regular commuting duties than the low-slung Aston Martin DB12.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S8

The S8 is a true four-door sedan offering practical interior space and likely better ingress/egress compared to the two-door DB12 coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Aston Martin DB12

The Aston Martin DB12 is the enthusiast's choice due to its higher output of 671 hp and superior coupe styling focus.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S8

The Audi S8 costs $115,000 less while still delivering 590 lb-ft of torque and slightly better highway fuel economy at 24 MPG.

Choose the Aston Martin DB12 if...

You prioritize raw performance numbers, as the DB12 offers 671 hp compared to the S8's 563 hp.
You value the exclusivity and design associated with a dedicated two-door exotic coupe.
You are comfortable with the $245,000 MSRP, acknowledging that the price reflects specialized grand touring intent.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

All-weather usability is crucial, thanks to the S8's standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You need a vehicle that is easier to live with daily, evidenced by its 209.5-inch length and 58.5-inch height.
Saving $115,000 is a primary concern while retaining segment-leading torque figures (590 lb-ft).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Aston Martin DB12	Audi S8
Length	186.0"	209.5"
Width	76.5"	76.6"
Height	51.0"	58.5"
Wheelbase	110.4"	123.2"

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	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height 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	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	671 hp @ 6000 rpm	563 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm	590 lb-ft
Number of Valves	32	32
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	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Aston Martin	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	15/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	309.0/453.2 mi.	325.5/520.8 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	—	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	—	✓

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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

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	—
Wheel Size	21 in	21 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	325/30R Z	265/35R21
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 S8.

How much more powerful is the Aston Martin DB12 than the Audi S8?

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is significantly more powerful, boasting 671 horsepower, which is 108 hp more than the 2026 Audi S8's output of 563 hp. Both cars, however, share the exact same torque figure of 590 lb-ft.

Is the Audi S8 more fuel-efficient for my daily drive?

Yes, the Audi S8 holds a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG on the highway versus the DB12's 22 MPG highway rating. Both vehicles are thirsty in the city, rating at 15 MPG combined with premium fuel.

Which car handles poor weather better, given the drivetrains?

The 2026 Audi S8 is better suited for inclement weather as it comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is strictly Rear Wheel Drive, making the S8 a more reliable choice when conditions degrade.

What is the size difference between these two vehicles?

The S8 is substantially larger than the DB12, designed as a full-size sedan. The S8 measures 209.5 inches long and 58.5 inches tall, while the DB12 coupe is shorter at 186.0 inches and much lower at 51.0 inches.

Does the lower price of the Audi S8 mean less performance capability?

Not entirely; while the S8's $130,000 MSRP is $115,000 less than the DB12, it matches its torque output at 590 lb-ft. The S8 trades outright top-end horsepower for substantial cost savings and practicality.

Do both cars require the same type of gasoline?

Both vehicles demand premium fuel to achieve their performance figures. The Aston Martin DB12 recommends premium unleaded, whereas the Audi S8 officially requires it.