2025 Audi S7 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S7 ignites the road with its potent 444 hp V6 engine, promising exhilarating acceleration wrapped in a sophisticated, practical four-door silhouette, boasting a combined 22 MPG. Conversely, the 2026 BMW 8 Series captivates with its pure, intimate coupe styling, delivering a focused RWD driving experience, though its 335 hp output trails the Audi significantly. While the S7 offers superior utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, the BMW mandates a higher $91,700 MSRP compared to the Audiโs $85,700 entry. This comparison boils down to power delivery and practicality versus sculpted two-door emotional appeal; the S7 packs 109 more horsepower, while the 8 Series focuses on intimate dynamics despite sacrificing overall fuel efficiency compared to the Audi's superior 22 MPG rating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S7
The Audi S7 wins for commuters due to its higher combined MPG rating of 22 and four-door sedan practicality.
2025 Audi S7
The Audi S7 provides substantially more utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the 8 Series Coupe's 14.8 cu ft.
2025 Audi S7
The Audi S7 offers significantly more brute force with 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the BMW's 335 hp.
2025 Audi S7
The Audi S7 offers 109 more horsepower for $6,000 less than the BMW 8 Series, presenting a superior performance bargain.
Choose the Audi S7 if...
- You prioritize outright power, as the S7 delivers 444 horsepower.
- Your daily drive involves regular highway use where its 27 MPG highway rating matters.
- You need usable rear seating and a robust 24.6 cu ft trunk for luggage or gear.
Choose the BMW 8 Series if...
- You desire the classic, focused driving connection afforded by its rear-wheel drive configuration.
- Your primary focus is stylistic purity, favoring a lower, wider coupe design (53.0 inches high).
- You value a more intimate cabin experience typical of a two-door design, despite the higher $91,700 starting price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S7 | BMW 8 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.0" | 191.2" |
| Width | 75.1" | 74.9" |
| Height | 55.8" | 53.0" |
| Wheelbase | 115.3" | 111.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.9 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 444 hp @ 5900 rpm | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft @ 2700 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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ |
| Rear Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | โ |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | โ |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 366.7/521.1 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 18.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 16 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | โ | Harman/Kardon |
| Surround Audio | โ | Discrete |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | โ | โ |
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: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 14-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 14-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | โ | 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 | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 19 x 9.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | โ |
| Tire Size | 255/35R21 | 275/35R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Run Flat Tires | โ | โ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S7 and 2026 BMW 8 Series.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi S7 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series?
The Audi S7 unleashes 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque from its powertrain, significantly overpowering the BMW 8 Series' 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This 109 hp difference means the S7 will feel substantially quicker off the line and in roll-on acceleration.
Is the BMW 8 Series worth the extra $6,000 over the Audi S7?
The $91,700 MSRP of the BMW is $6,000 more than the S7's $85,700, meaning buyers pay a premium for the coupe body style and RWD focus. Value judgment depends on whether the dedicated coupe experience outweighs the S7's superior power output.
How does cargo capacity compare for road trips?
The Audi S7 is the clear winner for utility, offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2026 BMW 8 Series Coupe is significantly more restricted, providing only 14.8 cu ft, making the Audi better suited for carrying more luggage or shopping.
Which car is more fuel-efficient for long commutes?
The Audi S7 offers superior fuel economy with a combined rating of 22 MPG (19 city/27 highway). While both require premium unleaded, the S7's overall efficiency profile is better balanced than the less specified fuel economy figures for the BMW.
Does the body style significantly impact interior space and usability?
Yes, the S7 is a sedan measuring 196.0 inches long, built for four adults, whereas the 8 Series is a two-door coupe at 191.2 inches long and lower at 53.0 inches high. This results in the S7 offering nearly 10 cubic feet more cargo space.
Which vehicle employs a more performance-oriented drivetrain layout?
The 2026 BMW 8 Series utilizes a traditional rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, favored by driving purists for balanced handling dynamics. The 2025 Audi S7 counters with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), offering superior grip in varied conditions.
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