2025 Audi A8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$92,000 · Sedan

$117,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

When cross-shopping flagship German luxury sedans, the critical question often boils down to whether you prioritize outright performance and brand cachet over smart, segment-leading value. The 2025 Audi A8 kicks off at a compelling $92,000, significantly undercutting the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which starts at $117,750—a staggering $25,750 gap. While the S-Class pulls ahead comfortably in brute force with its 442 hp compared to the A8’s 335 hp, the Audi remains admirably efficient, achieving 22 combined MPG versus the Benz’s 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the A8 offers a slightly larger footprint for rear passengers, measuring 209.5 inches long, while still providing similar utility with 12.5 cu ft of cargo space, making the A8 a remarkably sensible entry point into this ultra-luxury segment without sacrificing essential refinement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A8

The A8 wins for commuters due to its lower initial MSRP of $92,000, making luxury more accessible for daily use.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class wins slightly due to better fuel economy (24 combined MPG) and marginally more cargo space at 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting significantly more power with 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A8

The Audi A8 presents superior value by saving buyers $25,750 upfront while still offering comparable AWD luxury.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

Your budget dictates a maximum spend near $92,000 for a full-size flagship sedan.
You prioritize manageable daily driving dynamics over outright speed, needing 335 hp for everyday situations.
You prefer the Audi's slightly longer wheelbase profile at 209.5 inches for perceived rear legroom.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Performance is paramount, and you need the robust 442 hp output provided by the S-Class.
You want the most fuel-efficient option, as the S-Class achieves 24 combined MPG.
You desire the absolute pinnacle of luxury tech, justifying the $117,750 starting price point.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A8	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	209.5"	208.2"
Width	76.6"	76.9"
Height	58.3"	59.2"
Wheelbase	123.1"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 6000 rpm	442 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/564.2 mi.	420.0/620.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	710W
Speaker System	17	15
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	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	59.6 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	59.0 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	265/40R20	255/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How significant is the performance difference between the A8 and the S-Class?

The performance gap is substantial; the Mercedes S-Class delivers 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, creating a difference of 107 hp compared to the Audi A8's 335 hp output. This means the S-Class will offer quicker acceleration runs.

Is the Audi A8 drastically less comfortable despite the lower price?

While specific comfort features aren't detailed, the A8 is still an ultra-luxury sedan starting at $92,000. Both are AWD automatics, and the A8 is slightly longer at 209.5 inches, suggesting ample interior space.

Which sedan is better for minimizing fuel stops on long highway trips?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class edges out the A8 here; it returns 31 highway MPG compared to the Audi's 26 highway MPG. This efficiency leads to a better overall combined rating of 24 MPG for the S-Class.

What is the exact MSRP difference between the two base models?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $117,750, whereas the 2025 Audi A8 starts at $92,000. This represents a $25,750 price disparity at the entry level.

Are either of these vehicles less practical for occasional cargo hauling?

Both vehicles offer very similar cargo capacities, with the S-Class providing 12.8 cubic feet and the A8 offering 12.5 cubic feet. Neither vehicle excels at hauling large items due to their sedan body style.