2025 Audi S8 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series

$125,300 · Sedan

$91,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi S8 bursts onto the scene as the ultimate executive weapon, packing a formidable 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque into its stately 209.5-inch frame, promising blistering acceleration that the more elegant 2026 BMW 8 Series cannot match in raw force. The BMW 8 Series, with a lower MSRP of $91,700, counters with a more intimate, athletic Coupe form factor, prioritizing focused RWD dynamics over outright sledgehammer performance. While the S8 delivers a significant punch with 228 more horsepower, its combined fuel economy sits at a thirsty 18 MPG, contrasting sharply with the 8 Series' superior efficiency. This showdown pits high-speed, AWD luxury sedan power against smaller, stylish RWD grand touring appeal, separated by a substantial $33,600 gap in starting price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi S8

The Audi S8 offers superior all-wheel drive stability and marginally better highway MPG (24 MPG) for all-weather daily driving comfort.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 8 Series

Although smaller, the BMW 8 Series offers slightly more storage with 14.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S8

The Audi S8 dominates in performance metrics, delivering a massive 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque versus the BMW's 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series provides a premium Coupe experience for $33,600 less than the entry price of the high-performance S8.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You demand blistering performance, highlighted by the S8's 563 horsepower output.
You prioritize maximum security and grip in all conditions via its standard all-wheel drive system.
You need the commanding road presence of a longer sedan chassis (209.5 inches long).

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

Your budget dictates a starting MSRP closer to $91,700 rather than the S8's $125,300.
You prefer the agile, engaging nature of a rear-wheel-drive Coupe.
Fuel economy is a concern, as the BMW recommends premium but offers better efficiency metrics than the S8's 15/24 MPG splits.

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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power 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	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	0/0 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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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

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 2026 BMW 8 Series.

How much faster is the 2025 Audi S8 compared to the 2026 BMW 8 Series?

The Audi S8 holds a significant advantage with 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the BMW 8 Series' 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, indicating much faster acceleration times.

Which vehicle is more practical for carrying items?

The 2026 BMW 8 Series Coupe offers slightly better utility with 14.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity than the larger 2025 Audi S8 sedan, which provides 12.5 cubic feet.

Is the fuel cost difference between the two significant?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Audi S8 demands premium fuel for its high output, achieving only 18 combined MPG, while the BMW 8 Series requires it only as recommended and provides a better efficiency baseline.

What is the primary driving dynamic difference between these two cars?

The Audi S8 utilizes an all-wheel drive system, excellent for stability under its massive power, whereas the BMW 8 Series focuses on a pure driving feel via its standard rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Why is the Audi S8 substantially more expensive than the BMW 8 Series?

The S8 carries a premium starting MSRP of $125,300, largely due to its significantly higher output (a 228 hp gap) and its positioning as Audi's top-tier performance sedan.

How do their physical sizes compare on the road?

The Audi S8 is noticeably longer at 209.5 inches and slightly wider (76.6 inches), making it a full-size flagship sedan, while the BMW 8 Series is a more compact Coupe, measuring only 191.2 inches in length.