2025 Audi S8 vs 2026 BMW 7 Series
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW 7 Series is the substantial $26,000 MSRP gap, with the Audi starting at $125,300 against the BMW's $99,300. This price difference is underscored by performance metrics, where the S8 delivers 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the 7 Series' 375 hp and 398 lb-ft. Conversely, efficiency strongly favors the BMW, achieving a combined 28 MPG compared to the Audi's 18 MPG, indicating a 10 MPG advantage. Furthermore, the 7 Series offers superior utility with 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the S8's 12.5 cu ft, even though the S8 is slightly shorter in length at 209.5 inches versus 212.2 inches for the BMW. The drivetrain distinction, AWD for the S8 versus RWD for the 7 Series, also impacts expected performance profiles.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW 7 Series
The 2026 BMW 7 Series wins for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 28 MPG versus the Audi S8's 18 MPG.
2026 BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series provides substantially more utility with 19.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft.
2025 Audi S8
The 2025 Audi S8 is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, boasting 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, greatly outclassing the 7 Series' output.
2026 BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series offers a compelling package, costing $26,000 less than the Audi S8 while providing superior fuel economy.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- Maximum straight-line performance is the priority, as the S8 offers 563 horsepower.
- All-wheel drive traction is essential, as the S8 features an AWD drivetrain.
- The prestige associated with the higher-tier Audi S model is desired, despite the $125,300 MSRP.
Choose the BMW 7 Series if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the 7 Series achieves 28 combined MPG versus 18 MPG for the S8.
- Maximum luggage capacity is required, benefiting from the 7 Series' 19.1 cu ft cargo area.
- A lower initial investment is preferred, evidenced by the $99,300 MSRP compared to the S8's higher price point.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S8 | BMW 7 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 209.5" | 212.2" |
| Width | 76.6" | 76.8" |
| Height | 58.5" | 60.8" |
| Wheelbase | 123.2" | 126.6" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable 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 | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 563 hp | 375 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft @ 1850 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] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/24 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 325.5/520.8 mi. | 487.5/604.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.7 gal. | 19.5 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | — |
| Stereo Power | 730W | — |
| Speaker System | 17 | — |
| 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 | — | Bowers & Wilkins |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 18-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | 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: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 20 x 10.5 in. |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/35R21 | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
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 2026 BMW 7 Series.
What is the horsepower difference between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW 7 Series?
The 2025 Audi S8 is substantially more powerful, generating 563 hp, which is an 188 hp advantage over the 2026 BMW 7 Series, which produces 375 hp.
How does the fuel efficiency compare between these two large sedans?
The BMW 7 Series is markedly more efficient, achieving 28 combined MPG (25 city/31 highway) on its required premium fuel. The Audi S8 trails significantly with only 18 combined MPG (15 city/24 highway).
Which vehicle offers more usable cargo room?
The 2026 BMW 7 Series provides significantly more storage space with 19.1 cu ft available in the trunk. The 2025 Audi S8 offers only 12.5 cu ft.
Does the drivetrain configuration differ between the two models?
Yes, the 2025 Audi S8 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) to manage its higher power output. Conversely, the 2026 BMW 7 Series listed utilizes a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup.
What is the initial price disparity between the Audi S8 and the BMW 7 Series?
There is a considerable $26,000 difference in starting price; the BMW 7 Series is listed at $99,300 while the Audi S8 commands an MSRP of $125,300.
Are both sedans physically similar in size?
They are comparable in overall footprint, although the 7 Series is slightly longer at 212.2 inches versus the S8's 209.5 inches, and the BMW is also 2.3 inches taller.
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