2025 Audi S8 vs 2026 BMW M4
Comparison Overview
The eternal question when shopping high-performance luxury is: do you choose effortless, executive power or razor-sharp, driver-focused engagement? The 2025 Audi S8 brings staggering authority, boasting 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque in a spacious sedan package, although its 18 MPG combined will certainly remind you at the pump. Conversely, the 2026 BMW M4 offers a more raw experience with a 6-speed manual transmission and less visual bulk, even though it trades 90 horsepower for that engagement. Critically, the price gulf is substantial; the Audi commands an MSRP of $125,300, which is $44,000 more than the M4's starting point of $81,300. While the S8 is significantly longer at 209.5 inches, the M4 surprisingly offers marginally more cargo space at 15.5 cu ft versus the Audi's 12.5 cu ft, presenting a genuine dilemma between opulent cruising and accessible sportiness.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8's larger sedan profile and smoother automatic transmission make it the more comfortable daily driver despite its lower 15 MPG city rating.
2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8's sedan body style offers significantly more practical space and better accessibility than the two-door BMW M4 Coupe.
2026 BMW M4
The BMW M4's 6-speed manual transmission provides a more engaging, enthusiast-focused driving experience compared to the Audi's automatic.
2026 BMW M4
The BMW M4 saves the buyer $44,000 in initial cost while offering a competitive 473 hp, providing superior value.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- You prioritize outright power, as the S8 delivers 563 hp, significantly more than the M4's 473 hp.
- You need the practical accessibility and size of a four-door sedan, measuring 209.5 inches long.
- You value supreme, effortless acceleration delivered through an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the BMW M4 if...
- You insist on controlling shifting yourself via the involvement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Saving $44,000 on the initial purchase price is a major deciding factor ($81,300 vs $125,300).
- You prefer a slightly higher, though still low, cargo capacity of 15.5 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S8 | BMW M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 209.5" | 189.1" |
| Width | 76.6" | 74.3" |
| Height | 58.5" | 55.0" |
| Wheelbase | 123.2" | 112.5" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed 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 | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 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 | 6-speed manual |
| 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 (required) |
| 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. | 15.6 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 | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
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 | 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. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 55.1 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 35.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 51.0 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 10.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 265/35R21 | 285/35R Z |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S8 and 2026 BMW M4.
How much more fuel-efficient is the BMW M4 compared to the Audi S8?
The BMW M4, being smaller and less powerful, is notably more efficient, especially in city driving where the Audi S8 only manages 15 MPG. Although specific MPG figures for the M4 aren't listed, the S8's 18 MPG combined rating is significantly lower than what a standard performance coupe typically achieves.
Is the 2025 Audi S8 big enough to serve as a true family vehicle?
Yes, the Audi S8 is a full-size luxury sedan, measuring 209.5 inches long, which easily accommodates four adults or family needs better than the two-door BMW M4 Coupe. However, its cargo space is limited to 12.5 cu ft, which is less than the M4's 15.5 cu ft.
Why would an enthusiast choose the less powerful Audi S8 (563 hp) over the BMW M4 (473 hp)?
An enthusiast might choose the S8 if they value effortless, immediate torque (590 lb-ft) delivered via its standard all-wheel drive and quick automatic transmission for point-to-point speed, rather than the raw mechanical connection of the M4's manual gearbox.
What are the primary implications of the $44,000 price difference between the two cars?
The $44,000 difference means the Audi S8 requires an MSRP of $125,300, placing it in a much higher tier of luxury ownership than the $81,300 BMW M4. This price jump covers the larger chassis, more horsepower, and advanced standard features typical of the S8 line.
Does the difference in drivetrain (AWD vs RWD) significantly affect performance perception?
The Audi S8's All-Wheel Drive paired with 563 hp offers exceptional stability and traction in various conditions, whereas the BMW M4’s Rear Wheel Drive focuses purely on classic sports car dynamics, which some drivers prefer for feel and engagement.
More Luxury Sedans Over $80,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool