2025 Audi S8 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

$125,300 · Sedan

$90,800 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

When deciding between the plush executive transport of the 2025 Audi S8 and the stylish performance of the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, budget versus outright power is the core dilemma. The Audi S8 commands a steep $125,300 MSRP, whereas the BMW undercuts it significantly at $90,800, a difference of $34,500. Performance is dramatically skewed: the S8 boasts 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, vastly overshadowing the 335 hp and 369 lb-ft offered by the base 8 Series. However, this power comes at a cost, as the Audi sips fuel at a combined 18 MPG, while the BMW offers a much better, albeit unspecified, fuel economy (given the 18 MPG difference mentioned). Furthermore, the Audi is physically larger at 209.5 inches long compared to the BMW's 200.3 inches, which impacts maneuverability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The smaller dimensions and potentially superior fuel economy of the BMW make it marginally better suited for daily city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers 3.0 cubic feet more cargo space (15.5 cu ft vs 12.5 cu ft) despite being shorter overall.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S8

The sheer dominance in output, delivering 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, ensures the Audi S8 offers substantially superior straight-line acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe saves buyers $34,500 in initial cost while still offering premium sedan credentials.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You require the brute force of 563 horsepower for effortless overtakes.
You prefer the inherent stability of Audi's AWD system in all conditions.
Maximum rear legroom and executive presence are essential, leveraging its 209.5-inch length.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

Your budget is strictly under $100,000, as the MSRP is $34,500 lower.
You prioritize cargo versatility with 15.5 cu ft of trunk space versus the Audi's 12.5 cu ft.
You prefer RWD dynamics and can manage with 335 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Length	209.5"	200.3"
Width	76.6"	76.1"
Height	58.5"	55.4"
Wheelbase	123.2"	119.0"

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	—	✓
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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
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	BMW
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	39.1 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	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	10-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 Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding 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 Gran Coupe.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?

The Audi S8 is significantly more powerful, generating 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is a 228 hp advantage over the BMW's 335 hp. This power differential means the S8 is engineered for outright speed, whereas the 8 Series offers adequate, though less aggressive, performance.

How do the running costs compare regarding fuel for these two vehicles?

The Audi S8 demands premium unleaded and achieves only 18 MPG combined, reflecting the high demands of its powerful engine. While the BMW 8 Series only recommends premium fuel, it avoids the 18 MPG penalty noted in the S8's specifications, suggesting better real-world efficiency.

Which car is better for fitting passengers and luggage?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is surprisingly better for practical storage, offering 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi S8's 12.5 cu ft. However, the Audi S8 is physically longer at 209.5 inches, which might translate to slightly more interior cabin space.

Is the $34,500 price gap justified by the Audi S8's extra features?

The price difference of $34,500 is primarily justified by the massive power increase (228 hp more) and the standard inclusion of Audi's AWD system. If you don't need top-tier horsepower, the lower MSRP of the BMW presents significant savings.

Are the driving dynamics very different due to the drivetrain layout?

Yes, the 2025 Audi S8 uses AWD, distributing its power to all four wheels for maximum traction. Conversely, the 2026 BMW 8 Series uses a traditional RWD setup, which often appeals to drivers who prefer a purer, more rear-biased driving feel.

Are these cars considered large vehicles in terms of exterior size?

Both are substantial luxury sedans, but the Audi S8 is noticeably longer at 209.5 inches versus the BMW's 200.3 inches. Both vehicles share a similar width (76.6 inches vs 76.1 inches).