2025 Audi S8 vs 2025 BMW M5
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2025 BMW M5 boils down to whether you prioritize effortless luxury cruising or blistering, electrified performance. Both are serious luxury sedans, but they lean into different strengths. The S8 offers better fuel economy, achieving 18 MPG combined versus the M5's 14 MPG combined, a noticeable difference when factoring in the premium fuel requirement. Furthermore, the S8 provides a slightly larger body length at 209.5 inches, perhaps suggesting more interior space, though the M5 technically has more cargo room at 16.5 cu ft compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft. Performance enthusiasts will certainly notice the massive 154 hp disparity, as the M5 churns out 717 hp compared to the S8's 563 hp. Finally, there is a clear MSRP gap: the M5 starts $5,800 cheaper at $119,500.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8 is the better daily commuter due to its superior combined fuel economy of 18 MPG versus the M5's 14 MPG.
2025 BMW M5
The BMW M5 wins for families due to its larger cargo capacity, offering 16.5 cubic feet compared to the S8's 12.5 cubic feet.
2025 BMW M5
The M5 is the enthusiast's choice, delivering significantly more power with 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
2025 BMW M5
The M5 offers substantially more performance for a lower entry price point, saving $5,800 off the Audi S8's MSRP.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- You frequently drive long distances and want to minimize fuel stops, thanks to the S8's 24 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a slightly longer, more substantial physical presence on the road (209.5 inches long).
- You need predictable, consistent performance paired with better efficiency from a purely gasoline-powered setup.
Choose the BMW M5 if...
- Maximum straight-line speed and acceleration are your top priorities, given the 717 hp output.
- You require more usable storage space, as the M5 boasts 16.5 cu ft of cargo room.
- You want to take advantage of the 27 miles of electric range offered in the M5 for short daily trips.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S8 | BMW M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 209.5" | 200.6" |
| Width | 76.6" | 77.6" |
| Height | 58.5" | 59.4" |
| Wheelbase | 123.2" | 118.3" |
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 Preparation System | 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 |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Cornering Lights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 4.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 563 hp | 717 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/24 MPG | 12/17 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 14 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 325.5/520.8 mi. | 190.8/270.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.7 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | โ | 45/57 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | โ | 50 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | โ | 27 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | โ | 59 |
| Charging Time (240V) | โ | 4.0 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | โ | SAE J1772 |
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 |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | 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 |
| Extended Cabin Heating | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cooled Storage Compartment | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | โ |
| Stereo Power | 730W | 655W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 18 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| 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 | Bowers & Wilkins |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
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: Premium Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | โ |
| 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 |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Seat Massage Function | โ | โ |
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. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 21 x 11.0 in. |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 265/35R21 | 295/35R21 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | 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. |
| EV Battery Warranty | โ | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S8 and 2025 BMW M5.
How much more powerful is the BMW M5 compared to the Audi S8?
The 2025 BMW M5 is significantly more powerful, boasting 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This is a gap of 154 horsepower over the Audi S8's 563 hp.
Is the Audi S8 more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
Yes, the Audi S8 is considerably better for gas mileage, achieving 18 MPG combined (15 city/24 highway). The M5 lags behind with only 14 MPG combined (12 city/17 highway).
Which sedan offers better cargo capacity for groceries or luggage?
The BMW M5 provides more practical storage space with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Audi S8 offers less, measuring 12.5 cubic feet.
What is the price difference between these two high-performance sedans?
The BMW M5 has a lower starting MSRP at $119,500, making it $5,800 more affordable than the 2025 Audi S8, which starts at $125,300.
Do both cars require premium fuel, and does the M5 offer any electrification?
Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel. A key difference is that the M5 includes an electric range of 27 miles, which the gasoline-only S8 lacks.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The Audi S8 is physically longer at 209.5 inches compared to the M5's 200.6 inches, although the M5 is slightly wider and taller.
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