2025 Audi A8 vs 2026 BMW M5

$92,000 · Sedan

$121,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between ultimate luxury comfort and outright hybrid performance is a classic conundrum when shopping for flagship sedans. The 2025 Audi A8 offers sensible, quiet refinement starting at $92,000, boasting 335 hp and a solid 22 combined MPG, making it the pragmatic choice for daily driving. Contrast this with the formidable 2026 BMW M5, which demands $121,900 but unleashes a staggering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its advanced powertrain, albeit at the cost of only 14 combined MPG. While the M5 is significantly more powerful, the A8 is notably more efficient, sipping premium fuel while achieving 26 highway MPG compared to the M5's 19 highway MPG. Furthermore, the A8 is slightly longer at 209.5 inches, emphasizing rear passenger space, though the M5 offers more usable trunk space at 16.5 cu ft versus the A8's 12.5 cu ft.

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 22 combined MPG versus the BMW M5's 14 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 takes the family nod because it offers more cargo capacity at 16.5 cu ft, which is helpful for luggage or gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M5

The BMW M5 is the enthusiast choice by a massive margin, delivering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque compared to the A8's 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A8

The Audi A8 provides substantially better value, costing $29,900 less while offering adequate performance for regular use.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

You prioritize cost savings, as the Audi A8 has an MSRP that is $29,900 lower.
Your daily commute requires efficiency, thanks to the A8's 8 MPG advantage in combined driving (22 MPG vs 14 MPG).
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle (209.5 inches) for a commanding presence or potentially more rear-seat comfort.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

You absolutely require extreme performance, as the M5 boasts 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.
You need practical cargo space, as the M5 offers 16.5 cu ft, significantly more than the A8's 12.5 cu ft.
You can utilize the M5's 29 miles of electric range as part of your daily driving routine.

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	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable 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	12/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	434.0/564.2 mi.	190.8/302.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	15.9 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	41/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	29 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	55
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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

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	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	12-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.	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.
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 M5.

How much more power does the BMW M5 have over the Audi A8?

The 2026 BMW M5 is significantly more potent, producing 717 hp, which is a massive 382 hp advantage over the 2025 Audi A8's 335 hp rating.

Is the Audi A8 noticeably more fuel-efficient than the M5?

Yes, the Audi A8 is much better on fuel, achieving 22 combined MPG compared to the M5's 14 combined MPG, saving money on premium unleaded fuel.

Which car offers better standard technology for commuting?

While both are luxury vehicles, the A8 includes a hybrid component aiding its efficiency, whereas the M5's major technological differentiator is its 29 miles of all-electric range.

Which sedan provides more usable storage space for a family?

The 2026 BMW M5 is the better choice for storage, providing 16.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the Audi A8's 12.5 cu ft.

How do the physical sizes of these two large sedans compare?

The Audi A8 is longer at 209.5 inches, but the BMW M5 is slightly wider at 77.6 inches, suggesting a marginally more planted, aggressive stance.

Is the performance difference worth the $29,900 price jump?

That is highly subjective; you pay nearly $30,000 extra in the M5 for an additional 382 hp and the electric range feature, whereas the A8 offers a luxury experience for less.