2025 Audi A8 vs 2025 BMW M5

$92,000 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi A8 and the 2025 BMW M5 presents a classic luxury dilemma: refined comfort versus raw performance. If your primary concern is stretching your budget, the A8 starts at a much friendlier $92,000 compared to the M5's hefty $119,500 sticker price. Furthermore, daily driving costs heavily favor the Audi; it achieves a combined 22 MPG, significantly outperforming the M5's 14 MPG combined rating, which is crucial given both demand premium unleaded fuel. However, performance junkies will note the M5 boasts an immense 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, obliterating the A8's 335 hp. Despite its power deficit, the A8 is 8.9 inches longer (209.5 inches vs. 200.6 inches), suggesting a slightly more imposing road presence, though the M5 offers slightly more cargo space at 16.5 cu ft versus the A8's 12.5 cu ft. Ultimately, this choice balances a $27,500 premium for extreme power against superior efficiency and lower initial outlay.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A8

The Audi A8 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the M5's 14 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M5

The BMW M5 offers more usable storage for family needs with 16.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A8's 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M5

The M5 is the definitive enthusiast choice, delivering a staggering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the A8's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A8

The Audi A8 provides substantial luxury appeal for $27,500 less than the M5 and offers better long-term running costs via better MPG.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

You prioritize long-term running costs and fuel efficiency, as the A8 is rated at 22 MPG combined.
You want the lowest entry price into the flagship sedan segment, starting at $92,000.
You prefer a longer wheelbase vehicle, as the A8 measures 209.5 inches in length.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

Maximum acceleration and massive power (717 hp) are non-negotiable for your driving experience.
You need slightly more usable trunk space, as the M5 offers 16.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
You plan to utilize the M5's 27 miles of electric range for short, zero-emission local trips.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A8	BMW M5
Length	209.5"	200.6"
Width	76.6"	77.6"
Height	58.3"	59.4"
Wheelbase	123.1"	118.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 6000 rpm	717 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	12/17 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/564.2 mi.	190.8/270.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	15.9 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	45/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	50 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	27 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	59
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	655W
Speaker System	17	18
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bowers & Wilkins
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	56.9 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	265/40R20	295/35R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 in.

Suspension

Feature	Audi	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—

Warranty

Feature	Audi	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A8 and 2025 BMW M5.

How significant is the power difference between these two sedans?

The difference is massive; the 2025 BMW M5 produces 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Audi A8 offers 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, creating a 382 hp gap.

Is the BMW M5's PHEV system worth the higher price tag for city driving?

The M5 features a 27-mile electric range, which helps mitigate its low 12 MPG city fuel economy for very short commutes. However, the A8 is significantly more efficient overall at 20 MPG city, even on premium fuel.

Which car is physically larger, considering their dimensions?

The Audi A8 is notably longer at 209.5 inches compared to the M5's 200.6 inches. However, the M5 is slightly wider (77.6 inches vs. 76.6 inches) and taller (59.4 inches vs. 58.3 inches).

If I carry lots of gear, which car has better storage capacity?

The BMW M5 is the winner here, providing 16.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Audi A8 trails slightly behind with 12.5 cu ft available in its trunk.

Does the cheaper Audi A8 require the same high-octane fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi A8 and the 2025 BMW M5 specify that they require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance and engine health.

How much money will I save annually on gas by choosing the A8 over the M5?

Given the 8 MPG difference (22 MPG vs. 14 MPG), you will spend significantly less on fuel with the A8 over the course of a year, especially considering the M5's substantial fuel consumption when running on gasoline.