2025 Audi A8 vs 2026 BMW M4
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi A8 and the 2026 BMW M4 is the power output, with the M4 boasting 473 hp compared to the A8's 335 hp, representing a 138 hp advantage. Furthermore, the A8, a larger sedan at 209.5 inches long, achieves a superior combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, whereas the M4 Coupe returns unknown city/highway ratings, though its body type suggests a focus on performance over efficiency. The A8 carries a substantially higher MSRP of $92,000, exceeding the M4's $81,300 by $10,700. The M4 counters with better raw performance metrics (406 lb-ft torque vs. 369 lb-ft) and a slightly larger cargo area at 15.5 cu ft compared to the A8's 12.5 cu ft. These specifications position the A8 as the more luxurious, efficient cruiser and the M4 as the sharper, lower-cost performance machine.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A8
The Audi A8 wins for commuting due to its superior combined 22 MPG efficiency rating.
2025 Audi A8
The A8, being a larger sedan (209.5 inches long), offers a more practical platform for family transport despite having less dedicated cargo space than the M4.
2026 BMW M4
The BMW M4 is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering 473 hp and featuring a 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 BMW M4
The BMW M4 offers 138 more horsepower for $10,700 less than the base MSRP of the Audi A8.
Choose the Audi A8 if...
- Your primary concern is fuel economy, as the A8 achieves 22 MPG combined.
- You require the stability and handling characteristics of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- Your budget allows for the $92,000 MSRP and preference for premium required fuel in a larger sedan format.
Choose the BMW M4 if...
- You prioritize maximum power, evidenced by the M4's 473 hp output.
- A lower initial investment of $81,300 is critical to your purchasing decision.
- You prefer driver engagement offered by the 6-speed manual transmission paired with RWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A8 | BMW M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 209.5" | 189.1" |
| Width | 76.6" | 74.3" |
| Height | 58.3" | 55.0" |
| Wheelbase | 123.1" | 112.5" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed 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 | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 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 | 6-speed manual |
| 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 (required) |
| 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. | 15.6 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 | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | 10-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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 35.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 51.0 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 | Performance |
| Tire Size | 265/40R20 | 285/35R Z |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 10.5 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A8 and 2026 BMW M4.
What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 Audi A8 and the 2026 BMW M4?
The performance gap is significant in terms of peak power; the M4 produces 473 hp, which is 138 hp more than the A8's 335 hp. The M4 also delivers slightly more torque at 406 lb-ft versus the A8's 369 lb-ft.
How do the size and dimensions affect their usability?
The A8 is significantly larger, measuring 209.5 inches in length and 58.3 inches high, offering a traditional sedan profile. Conversely, the M4 is shorter at 189.1 inches and lower at 55.0 inches, reflecting its coupe design focused on agility.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The 2025 Audi A8 is the clear winner for efficiency, delivering a rated 22 MPG combined. The 2026 BMW M4's specific MPG figures were not provided, but performance-oriented coupes generally return lower mileage than luxury cruisers.
Is there a major difference in the price of entry for these two vehicles?
Yes, there is a $10,700 difference in their starting MSRPs, with the Audi A8 listed at $92,000 and the BMW M4 at $81,300.
How does the cargo capacity compare?
The BMW M4 Coupe offers 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly exceeding the Audi A8 sedan's 12.5 cubic feet.
What does the difference in drivetrain imply for driving dynamics?
The A8 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission with All-Wheel Drive, prioritizing traction and smooth shifts for luxury driving. The M4 features a 6-speed manual transmission with Rear Wheel Drive, emphasizing driver control and traditional sporting dynamics.
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