2025 Audi S8 vs 2025 BMW 8 Series

$125,300 · Sedan

$91,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a high-performance luxury sedan and a sleek coupe often comes down to prioritizing raw power versus daily livability and cost. The 2025 Audi S8 brings serious muscle with 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear performance brute, but it demands premium fuel and only returns 18 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2025 BMW 8 Series, starting at a significantly lower $91,700 (a $33,600 difference from the S8's $125,300 MSRP), offers much better efficiency at 24 MPG combined while still being engaging. However, the S8 provides a longer body at 209.5 inches and superior all-wheel drive grip compared to the BMW's RWD setup. For those needing four doors and extreme acceleration, the Audi is dominant, but the BMW wins on efficiency and initial purchase price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series wins for commuting due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy versus the S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S8

The Audi S8 is technically the better choice as a sedan with four doors, despite having less usable cargo space at 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S8

The Audi S8 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, easily overpowering the BMW's 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series offers better overall value with a $33,600 lower MSRP and significantly better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You absolutely require the segment-leading power of 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is a non-negotiable necessity for your driving conditions.
You need the extra length (209.5 inches) and the traditional four-door sedan layout.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

Keeping running costs down is important, as the 8 Series achieves 24 MPG combined vs. the S8's 18 MPG.
Saving $33,600 on the initial purchase price is a major factor.
You prefer a sportier, more compact profile, as the 8 Series Coupe is 18.3 inches shorter than the S8.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	BMW 8 Series
Length	209.5"	191.2"
Width	76.6"	74.9"
Height	58.5"	53.0"
Wheelbase	123.2"	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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-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	563 hp	335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	590 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

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)	15/24 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	378.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 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	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	14-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-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	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
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	38.5 in.	33.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	29.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 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	265/35R21	275/35R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
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 S8 and 2025 BMW 8 Series.

How much more power does the Audi S8 have than the BMW 8 Series?

The 2025 Audi S8 offers a substantial advantage with 563 horsepower, which is 228 more horsepower than the 2025 BMW 8 Series' 335 hp rating. This difference in output is immediately noticeable in acceleration and top-end performance.

Is the Audi S8 practical for long road trips regarding fuel?

While the S8 is powerful, its fuel economy is relatively low at 18 MPG combined, and it mandates premium unleaded fuel. The BMW 8 Series is more conducive to frequent long-distance driving with its 24 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle offers more storage space for luggage?

Surprisingly, the BMW 8 Series Coupe offers slightly more cargo capacity at 14.8 cubic feet compared to the Audi S8 sedan's 12.5 cubic feet. This might be due to the specific packaging of the S8's performance hardware.

What is the main difference in how these cars put power to the ground?

The Audi S8 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing excellent grip and stability, whereas the BMW 8 Series utilizes Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), prioritizing a more traditional, driver-focused feel.

How significant is the price gap between these two luxury vehicles?

There is a major $33,600 difference in MSRP, with the BMW 8 Series starting at $91,700 and the Audi S8 starting at $125,300. This puts the S8 firmly in a higher price bracket.

Is the BMW 8 Series recommended if I need more passenger space?

No, the BMW 8 Series is categorized as a Coupe, meaning it prioritizes two doors and a sleek profile over rear passenger comfort. The Audi S8, being a full-size sedan, will inherently offer better accessibility and more rear legroom.