2025 BMW 7 Series vs 2026 Audi A8

$97,300 · Sedan

$95,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical differentiator is the 6 MPG advantage held by the 2025 BMW 7 Series (28 combined MPG) over the 2026 Audi A8 (22 combined MPG). Power delivery also favors the BMW, delivering 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. This 40 hp difference suggests superior straight-line performance potential for the 7 Series, though the A8 counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the BMW’s Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration. Dimensionally, the 7 Series is notably larger, boasting a 212.2-inch length and a significantly superior 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity against the A8’s 12.5 cu ft. Despite its power and size advantages, the BMW carries a higher base MSRP at $97,300 compared to the A8's $95,100.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series offers a substantial 28 MPG combined fuel economy, directly translating to lower operational costs for daily travel compared to the A8's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 7 Series

With 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, the BMW 7 Series provides 52.8% more trunk space than the Audi A8's 12.5 cu ft, accommodating more luggage.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 7 Series

The 2025 BMW 7 Series produces 40 more horsepower (375 hp) and 29 more lb-ft of torque (398 lb-ft) than the Audi A8.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi A8

The Audi A8 secures the value verdict by offering standard All-Wheel Drive at a $2,200 lower entry MSRP ($95,100 vs $97,300).

Choose the BMW 7 Series if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the 7 Series achieves 28 combined MPG versus the A8's 22 MPG.
Maximum interior utility is required, evidenced by the 19.1 cu ft of cargo volume.
The driver prefers the traditional dynamics associated with a Rear-Wheel Drive setup.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

All-Weather traction is a necessity, as the A8 includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
A base MSRP under $96,000 is preferred, with the A8 listed at $95,100.
A slightly shorter overall vehicle length of 209.5 inches aids in garage fitment.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 7 Series	Audi A8
Length	212.2"	209.5"
Width	76.8"	76.6"
Height	60.8"	58.3"
Wheelbase	126.6"	123.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5200 rpm	335 hp
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	19/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	487.5/604.5 mi.	412.3/585.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	21.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bowers & Wilkins	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Stereo Power	—	730W
Speaker System	—	17

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.0 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	18-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	18-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.3 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.6 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 10.5 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	265/40R20
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Audi
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.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 7 Series and 2026 Audi A8.

What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 BMW 7 Series over the 2026 Audi A8?

The BMW 7 Series holds a distinct power advantage, producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Audi A8's 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This 40 hp difference points towards faster acceleration capabilities in the BMW.

How do the drive types affect handling between these two luxury sedans?

The base 2025 BMW 7 Series utilizes Rear-Wheel Drive, offering a classic, balanced driving feel. Conversely, the 2026 Audi A8 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which typically provides enhanced grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Is there a significant difference in trunk space for these vehicles?

Yes, the cargo discrepancy is substantial; the BMW 7 Series offers 19.1 cubic feet of space, while the Audi A8 provides only 12.5 cubic feet. This represents a difference of 6.6 cubic feet in favor of the BMW.

Which vehicle is more economical to fuel based on their MPG ratings?

The BMW 7 Series is substantially more efficient, rated at 28 MPG combined, while the Audi A8 is rated at 22 MPG combined. This 6 MPG difference will lead to notably lower annual fuel expenditures for the BMW owner.

How close are the base prices for the 2025 BMW 7 Series and the 2026 Audi A8?

The Audi A8 presents a lower entry cost at $95,100 compared to the BMW 7 Series' base MSRP of $97,300. This $2,200 difference must be weighed against the standard equipment differences, such as the A8's AWD system.

Are both vehicles dimensionally similar in size?

While both are large sedans, the BMW 7 Series is longer at 212.2 inches compared to the Audi A8's 209.5 inches. The Audi is also significantly lower in height, measuring 58.3 inches versus the BMW's 60.8 inches.