2025 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series

$128,600 · Sedan

$91,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series is the MSRP, with the Audi commanding a premium of $36,900 over the BMW's $91,700 base price. This price difference funds substantial performance gains, as the RS 7 delivers 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 8 Series' 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. Fuel economy also sharply contrasts; the Audi achieves a combined 17 MPG, while the BMW benefits from superior efficiency (though its MPG figures were not provided, the RS 7's 14 MPG city rating highlights a significant efficiency gap for daily use). Furthermore, the Audi provides 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the 8 Series’ 14.8 cu ft. Dimensionally, the RS 7 is over six inches longer at 197.2 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 8 Series

The 2026 BMW 8 Series is the likely choice for commuters due to its lower initial cost and likely superior fuel efficiency metrics compared to the high-performance RS 7.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 7

The 2025 Audi RS 7 offers 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the 8 Series’ 14.8 cu ft, making it more practical for hauling gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 offers a massive 286 hp advantage, producing 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque versus the BMW's 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series

The 2026 BMW 8 Series secures the value win by offering a capable performance platform at a $36,900 lower MSRP.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

Peak performance is the primary objective, evidenced by the 621 hp output.
Maximum utility in a high-performance sedan is required, offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo space.
All-wheel drive traction is preferred over the 8 Series' standard rear-wheel drive setup.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

Budget is a major factor, as the MSRP is $36,900 lower than the RS 7.
Daily driving economy is important, given the RS 7's mandatory premium fuel use and low 17 MPG combined rating.
A more compact vehicle is desired, with the 8 Series measuring 191.2 inches in length compared to the RS 7’s 197.2 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW 8 Series
Length	197.2"	191.2"
Width	76.8"	74.9"
Height	56.1"	53.0"
Wheelbase	115.3"	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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	621 hp	335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	32	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 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	✓	✓
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	—
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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	—	464W
Speaker System	—	16
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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	37.0 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	14-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	14-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	33.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	29.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	46.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	275/35R21	275/35R19
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 RS 7 and 2026 BMW 8 Series.

What is the drivetrain difference between the 2025 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series?

The Audi RS 7 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 BMW 8 Series comes standard with a rear-wheel drive configuration utilizing a similarly specified 8-speed shiftable automatic.

How much more powerful is the Audi RS 7 compared to the BMW 8 Series based on reported specifications?

The Audi RS 7 possesses significantly greater power, achieving 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This represents an increase of 286 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque over the BMW 8 Series' output.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling cargo between the two models?

The 2025 Audi RS 7 is demonstrably better for cargo, boasting 24.6 cubic feet of storage volume. This provides 9.8 cubic feet more capacity than the 2026 BMW 8 Series, which is rated at 14.8 cu ft.

Is the BMW 8 Series' fuel requirement less restrictive than the Audi RS 7's?

Yes, the Audi RS 7 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to operate its high-output engine. The BMW 8 Series only recommends premium unleaded, suggesting a slightly more flexible fuel tolerance for general operation.

How do the physical dimensions of these two vehicles compare?

The Audi RS 7 is a longer vehicle overall, measuring 197.2 inches in length compared to the 8 Series at 191.2 inches. The Audi is also notably taller, standing at 56.1 inches versus the BMW's 53.0 inches.

What is the total approximate MSRP difference when comparing the base prices?

The price differential is substantial, with the 2025 Audi RS 7 starting at $128,600, creating a $36,900 gap compared to the 2026 BMW 8 Series priced at $91,700.