2025 Audi A8 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series

$92,000 · Sedan

$91,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the spacious luxury of the 2025 Audi A8 sedan and the sporty silhouette of the 2026 BMW 8 Series coupe presents a classic dilemma: outright comfort versus dynamic style. While both start near the $91,700 mark (with the Audi A8 slightly higher at $92,000), their missions diverge quickly. Power is identical, with both models offering 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. However, the A8, being 209.5 inches long, provides greater presence and potentially more cabin room than the 191.2-inch BMW. Interestingly, the coupe offers slightly more cargo space at 14.8 cu ft compared to the A8's 12.5 cu ft. The biggest practical difference lies in running costs: the A8 gets 22 combined MPG, while the 8 Series, although only recommending premium fuel, will likely offer better efficiency due to its smaller coupe frame, despite the spec sheet not explicitly detailing the difference, which is a key consideration for long-term ownership.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A8

The Audi A8 offers better overall fuel efficiency at 22 combined MPG, making daily mileage less costly than in the RWD coupe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A8

As a full-size sedan measuring 209.5 inches long, the A8 provides significantly more passenger space and easier ingress/egress than the lower 53.0-inch tall coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 8 Series

The 2026 BMW 8 Series, being a dedicated coupe with Rear Wheel Drive, generally promises a more engaging and driver-focused experience than the larger, AWD A8.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series offers slightly more cargo capacity (14.8 cu ft vs. 12.5 cu ft) for a marginally lower MSRP of $91,700.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

You prioritize absolute ride comfort and need the longer wheelbase provided by its 209.5-inch length.
You require the assured grip of All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
Your budget strongly prefers slightly better baseline fuel economy at 22 combined MPG.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

You prefer the traditional, spirited handling characteristics of a Rear Wheel Drive setup.
You value the lower visual profile, as the 8 Series stands only 53.0 inches high.
You need the slightly more useful 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space for weekend bags.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A8	BMW 8 Series
Length	209.5"	191.2"
Width	76.6"	74.9"
Height	58.3"	53.0"
Wheelbase	123.1"	111.1"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	335 hp @ 6000 rpm	335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
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	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/564.2 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	18.0 gal.

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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	464W
Speaker System	17	16
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	—	Harman/Kardon
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	14-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	14-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	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	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	33.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	29.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	46.9 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	265/40R20	275/35R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 9.0 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A8 and 2026 BMW 8 Series.

Do both cars require the same type of fuel?

No, the 2025 Audi A8 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 335 hp engine. The 2026 BMW 8 Series, however, only recommends premium unleaded, offering slightly more flexibility for the owner.

Which car is physically larger?

The 2025 Audi A8 is substantially larger, measuring 209.5 inches in length compared to the 2026 BMW 8 Series Coupe at 191.2 inches. This makes the A8 longer by nearly 18 inches.

Is there a significant difference in their standard power output?

No, they are identical in core performance figures provided: both the A8 and the 8 Series produce exactly 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

How does the cargo space compare between the sedan and the coupe?

The BMW 8 Series coupe wins marginally on raw space, offering 14.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Audi A8 sedan offers 12.5 cubic feet, which is less despite its larger body style.

What dictates the difference in handling setup?

The A8 is equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive, optimized for stable grip, whereas the 8 Series uses a Rear Wheel Drive configuration, which enthusiasts often prefer for balancing and spirited driving dynamics.

Is the difference in MPG significant for daily commuting?

The specified 22 combined MPG for the A8 is a quantifiable benchmark, whereas the BMW 8 Series does not have a stated combined MPG, suggesting the larger sedan might consume more fuel over the long run.