2025 Audi S8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$125,300 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the 121 horsepower deficit faced by the Mercedes, with the S8 boasting 563 hp versus the S-Class's 442 hp. This performance gap is further emphasized by the S8's 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the S-Class's 413 lb-ft. Conversely, fuel economy clearly favors the S-Class, achieving 23 combined MPG against the S8's 18 combined MPG, resulting in a 5 MPG advantage for the Mercedes on the combined cycle. Pricing also sets them apart, with the S8 commanding an MSRP of $125,300, making it $5,800 more expensive than the S-Class starting at $119,500. While both sedans share an identical length of 209.5 inches, the S8 is slightly wider at 76.6 inches versus 75.6 inches. The S8 prioritizes sheer output, while the S-Class offers greater efficiency and a lower entry cost for flagship luxury.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG compared to the Audi S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class offers slightly more usable space with 12.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft, alongside better fuel range.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S8

The 2025 Audi S8 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class provides better overall value, starting at $119,500 and delivering 5 MPG better efficiency for $5,800 less than the S8.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Maximum engine output is critical, as the S8 provides 563 horsepower versus 442 hp in the S-Class.
You prefer the slight edge in width (76.6 inches) and a slightly lower roofline (58.5 inches) for a grounded stance.
The engagement of an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with the highest torque figure (590 lb-ft) is desired.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Fuel efficiency is a priority, offering 23 combined MPG compared to the S8's 18 combined MPG.
The lower starting MSRP of $119,500 provides a $5,800 initial saving over the Audi S8.
A marginally larger cargo area (12.8 cu ft vs 12.5 cu ft) and a 9-speed automatic transmission are preferred features.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	209.5"	209.5"
Width	76.6"	75.6"
Height	58.5"	59.2"
Wheelbase	123.2"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	442 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft	413 lb-ft
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	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/24 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	710W
Speaker System	17	15
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	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	59.6 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	3
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	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	59.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/35R21	255/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S8 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi S8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The primary performance difference lies in sheer output; the Audi S8 produces 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is significantly less powerful, generating 442 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 121 hp gap.

How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is considerably more efficient, achieving 23 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway). The 2025 Audi S8 is rated lower at 18 combined MPG (15 city/24 highway), meaning the S-Class requires less frequent premium unleaded fill-ups.

Is the Audi S8 significantly more expensive than the Mercedes S-Class?

Yes, the 2025 Audi S8 has an MSRP of $125,300, which is $5,800 higher than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starting at $119,500.

Do these vehicles differ in size or utility?

Both sedans share an identical exterior length of 209.5 inches. However, the S-Class offers slightly greater cargo utility with 12.8 cubic feet compared to the S8's 12.5 cubic feet.

What are the differences in their AWD transmission setups?

Both cars feature all-wheel drive, but the Audi S8 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially smoother, more efficient gear transitions.

Since both require premium fuel, which one has a better value proposition despite the fuel requirement?

For budget-conscious buyers, the S-Class presents better value by achieving a 5 MPG efficiency advantage while costing $5,800 less upfront, despite both demanding premium unleaded fuel.