2025 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

$128,600 · Sedan

$90,800 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The age-old question when looking at high-performance luxury sedans is balancing brute force against smart spending. If you’re eyeing the 2025 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, you're looking at two very different propositions. The Audi RS 7 commands attention with a hefty $128,600 MSRP and delivers an eye-watering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Contrast this with the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe starting at a far more attainable $90,800, offering 335 hp. This means the Audi has 286 more horsepower, but you’ll feel the difference at the pump too; the RS 7 manages only 17 combined MPG versus the BMW’s presumed efficiency (given the power gap), and requires premium fuel while the BMW only recommends it. While both offer automatic transmissions, the sheer performance deficit makes the BMW the sensible choice unless maximum velocity is the primary goal.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuting due to its significantly lower entry price and presumably better real-world fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 offers substantially more utility for families with a generous 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BMW's 15.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 is the clear winner for enthusiasts, delivering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the BMW’s power output.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

With a $37,800 lower MSRP and superior power efficiency, the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe provides significantly better overall value.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You prioritize ultimate acceleration and power, needing the 621 hp available in the RS 7.
You frequently haul extra luggage or gear, leveraging the 24.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You require the assured grip of standard All-Wheel Drive for varying conditions.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

Your budget ceiling is closer to $90,800, as the price difference is $37,800.
You prefer Rear-Wheel Drive dynamics and don't need the RS 7's power.
You want a slightly longer vehicle (200.3 inches vs 197.2 inches) with a lower height profile (55.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Length	197.2"	200.3"
Width	76.8"	76.1"
Height	56.1"	55.4"
Wheelbase	115.3"	119.0"

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	—	✓
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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
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	BMW
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	39.1 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	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-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 Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding 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 Gran Coupe.

What is the major financial difference between these two models?

The 2025 Audi RS 7 has a significant MSRP difference of $37,800 over the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, costing $128,600 versus $90,800. This covers the massive power gap, as the Audi produces 286 more horsepower.

Which car is better for road trips concerning luggage space?

The Audi RS 7 is better for luggage, offering 24.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is significantly tighter for luggage at only 15.5 cubic feet.

How much more power does the Audi RS 7 actually offer?

The 2025 Audi RS 7 boasts 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This vastly outperforms the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe's 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Is the fuel economy drastically different between the two?

Yes, the Audi RS 7 is rated at only 17 combined MPG and demands premium fuel. While the BMW's exact MPG isn't listed, its 286 hp deficit suggests it will be considerably more fuel-efficient in daily driving.

Do both cars feature all-wheel drive?

No, the 2025 Audi RS 7 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction. In contrast, the base 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive setup.

How do the physical dimensions compare for parking?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is slightly longer at 200.3 inches compared to the Audi's 197.2 inches, but the Audi is slightly wider at 76.8 inches versus the BMW’s 76.1 inches.