2025 Audi S8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$125,300 · Sedan

$117,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is fuel economy, with the S-Class achieving a 6 MPG advantage in combined EPA ratings (24 MPG vs. 18 MPG). This efficiency gap directly impacts long-term ownership costs, though the S8 commands a $7,550 higher MSRP at $125,300 compared to the S-Class's $117,750. Performance metrics show the S8 delivering substantial power with 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, significantly outstripping the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque—a difference of 121 horsepower. While the S8 is slightly longer at 209.5 inches, the S-Class offers marginally more storage with 12.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the S8's 12.5 cubic feet. These core figures define the trade-off between accessible luxury and raw performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the clear commuter winner due to its superior 24 combined MPG rating compared to the S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class provides marginally better utility with a slightly larger 12.8 cu ft cargo capacity and better fuel economy for regular use.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S8

The Audi S8 decisively wins for enthusiasts by producing 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the S-Class's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers better value by delivering significantly better efficiency and substantially more horsepower for a $7,550 lower MSRP.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Maximum performance is the priority, evidenced by the S8's 563 hp output.
The driver prefers the specific handling dynamics associated with the Audi's 8-speed automatic transmission.
The $125,300 price point is acceptable, as the S8 demands a premium over the S-Class.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, given the S-Class's 6 MPG combined advantage (24 MPG vs. 18 MPG).
The buyer seeks lower initial expenditure, as the S-Class undercuts the S8 by $7,550.
A more refined, albeit less powerful, powertrain setup with a 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	209.5"	208.2"
Width	76.6"	76.9"
Height	58.5"	59.2"
Wheelbase	123.2"	126.6"

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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	563 hp	442 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft	413 lb-ft
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	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	21/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	420.0/620.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	20.0 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
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	710W
Speaker System	17	15
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	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

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.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.4 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	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	59.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/35R21	255/45R19
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 S-Class.

What is the horsepower difference between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Audi S8 produces a total of 563 horsepower, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class generates 442 horsepower. This results in a significant 121 hp advantage for the Audi S8, translating to superior acceleration capabilities.

How does the MSRP compare for these two high-performance sedans?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at an MSRP of $117,750, positioning it as the more affordable option. The 2025 Audi S8 commands a higher entry price of $125,300.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for highway commuting?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers superior efficiency, achieving 31 MPG on the highway compared to the Audi S8's 24 MPG highway rating. This 7 MPG difference highlights the S-Class's technological edge in efficiency.

Which sedan offers more space for luggage?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides a marginally larger trunk volume at 12.8 cubic feet. The Audi S8 is slightly smaller in this dimension, offering 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel and have AWD?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class both require premium unleaded fuel and utilize an all-wheel-drive system for optimized traction.

What is the difference in torque output between the two models?

The Audi S8 delivers 590 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the S-Class's 413 lb-ft rating. This 177 lb-ft difference underscores the S8's performance focus.