2025 Audi S8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S8 blasts off with 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, representing an electrifying blend of executive transport and genuine performance, evident in its swift acceleration capabilities. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach trades outright speed for opulence, commanding a staggering $203,500 MSRP—a $78,200 premium over the S8—while delivering a slightly more sedate 496 hp and prioritizing passenger comfort in its longer, 215.3-inch frame. While the Audi provides superior driver engagement with its power advantage, the Maybach counters with marginally better efficiency, achieving 20 combined MPG versus the S8's 18 combined MPG. Furthermore, the S8 boasts 67 more horsepower than its competitor. Despite being smaller in length at 209.5 inches, the Audi’s performance focus makes it the sharper tool, whereas the Maybach focuses on stretching out in ultimate luxury.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8's slightly smaller footprint (76.6 inches wide) and robust standard all-wheel-drive system make it slightly more agile for navigating dense city traffic.
2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach, being significantly longer at 215.3 inches and offering 12.9 cu ft of cargo space, provides superior rear-seat luxury and space for families.
2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8 is the clear performance victor, possessing 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, substantially eclipsing the Maybach's 496 hp.
2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8 offers considerably more power (563 hp vs 496 hp) while costing $78,200 less than the Maybach.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- You demand thrilling acceleration, benefiting from the S8's 563 hp output.
- Your budget is capped below $130,000, as the S8 starts at $125,300.
- You prioritize a superior torque delivery of 590 lb-ft for immediate response.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach if...
- Ultimate rear-seat passenger indulgence is the absolute top priority for the sedan.
- You prefer the efficiency advantage of 20 combined MPG over raw power metrics.
- The extra 5.8 inches of vehicle length provided by the Maybach’s 215.3-inch chassis is essential for presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S8 | Mercedes-Benz Maybach |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 209.5" | 215.3" |
| Width | 76.6" | 75.6" |
| Height | 58.5" | 59.4" |
| Wheelbase | 123.2" | 133.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 563 hp | 496 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/24 MPG | 16/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 325.5/520.8 mi. | 355.2/599.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.7 gal. | 22.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Wood Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | — |
| Stereo Power | 730W | 1750W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 31 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Stereo System | — | Burmester |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Burmester |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Subscription Duration | — | 36 months |
| Video Monitor | — | ✓ |
| DVD Player | — | ✓ |
| Separate Rear Audio | — | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | 12-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | 12-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 49.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
| Rear Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 20 x 9.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 265/35R21 | 255/40R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach?
The difference is pronounced; the Audi S8 delivers 563 horsepower, giving it a 67 hp advantage over the Maybach's 496 horsepower. This power disparity makes the S8 the more overtly performance-focused machine.
Is the higher price of the Maybach justified by space and practicality over the S8?
The Maybach costs $203,500 compared to the S8's $125,300 MSRP, and while it offers a slightly larger cargo capacity at 12.9 cu ft versus 12.5 cu ft, the extra cost is overwhelmingly attributed to luxury appointments, not utility.
Which sedan is the more fuel-efficient choice for daily commuting?
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach slightly edges out the Audi S8 in efficiency, achieving 20 combined MPG (16 city/27 highway) compared to the S8's 18 combined MPG (15 city/24 highway).
Are both sedans equipped with all-wheel drive for challenging weather?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach come standard with an all-wheel drive system, ensuring robust traction management for both vehicles.
How do the transmissions compare between the two flagship sedans?
The Audi S8 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mercedes-Benz Maybach uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting a potentially smoother or more efficiency-tuned final drive ratio for the Maybach.
Which car handles high-octane fuel requirements?
Both premium luxury sedans require the higher octane fuel; both the S8 and the Maybach specify 'premium unleaded (required)' for optimal operation.
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