2025 Audi S8 vs 2026 BMW M5

$125,300 · Sedan

$121,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW M5 lies in sheer performance, with the M5 delivering 717 hp compared to the S8's 563 hp—a 154 hp advantage. This power delta is reflected in efficiency, where the S8 achieves a superior combined MPG of 18 versus the M5's 14 MPG, also offering a better highway rating of 24 MPG versus 19 MPG. Pricing favors the M5 slightly, starting at $121,900 compared to the S8's $125,300 MSRP, a $3,400 difference. Dimensionally, the S8 is longer at 209.5 inches, while the M5 counters with 154 more lb-ft of torque (738 vs. 590) and a larger 16.5 cu ft cargo capacity. Furthermore, the M5 introduces a 29-mile electric range, a feature absent from the standard S8 powertrain.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi S8

The Audi S8 wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 18 combined MPG versus the M5's 14 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 offers significantly more utility with a 16.5 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 is the clear performance choice, boasting 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M5

The BMW M5 provides a substantially higher output of 717 hp for a lower MSRP of $121,900.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Maximum fuel efficiency is a priority, as the S8 achieves 18 combined MPG.
A longer overall vehicle length of 209.5 inches is preferred for road presence.
A marginally higher 24 MPG highway rating is necessary for frequent highway driving.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

Maximum straight-line acceleration is desired, thanks to its 717 hp output.
A dedicated plug-in hybrid experience is required, offering a 29-mile electric range.
Greater storage utility is needed, provided by the 16.5 cu ft cargo area.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	BMW M5
Length	209.5"	200.6"
Width	76.6"	77.6"
Height	58.5"	59.4"
Wheelbase	123.2"	118.3"

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	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	563 hp	717 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	590 lb-ft	738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
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	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/24 MPG	12/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	190.8/302.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	15.9 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	41/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	29 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	55
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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	655W
Speaker System	17	18
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.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	59.2 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	2
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	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	56.9 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	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	265/35R21	295/35R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Audi	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓

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 M5.

What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW M5?

The primary performance gap is centered on peak power figures. The 2026 BMW M5 offers 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the 2025 Audi S8’s 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Audi S8 compared to the BMW M5?

The Audi S8 holds a measurable advantage in fuel consumption, rated at 18 combined MPG (15 city/24 highway). This is 4 MPG better overall than the BMW M5's rating of 14 combined MPG (12 city/19 highway).

Does the BMW M5 offer any electric driving capabilities?

Yes, the 2026 BMW M5 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system providing an official 29 miles of electric-only range, a feature the standard 2025 Audi S8 does not possess.

Is the Audi S8 a more expensive vehicle than the new BMW M5?

The Audi S8 has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $125,300 compared to the BMW M5's $121,900. This results in a $3,400 price premium for the S8 before options.

Which sedan offers superior cargo capacity for utility?

The 2026 BMW M5 provides greater cargo capacity, measuring 16.5 cubic feet. The 2025 Audi S8 has a smaller trunk space rated at 12.5 cubic feet.

Are the dimensions of these two luxury sedans very different?

They are similar in footprint, but the Audi S8 is notably longer at 209.5 inches versus the M5's 200.6 inches. Conversely, the M5 is marginally wider at 77.6 inches compared to the S8's 76.6 inches.