2025 BMW 7 Series vs 2026 Audi S8

$97,300 · Sedan

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The $32,700 MSRP gap between the 2025 BMW 7 Series ($97,300) and the 2026 Audi S8 ($130,000) is the most significant disparity, immediately positioning them in different tiers of executive luxury. Performance metrics heavily favor the S8, delivering a substantial 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the 7 Series’ 375 hp and 398 lb-ft. This power advantage is reflected in fuel economy, where the 7 Series achieves a 28 MPG combined rating, significantly outpacing the S8’s 18 MPG combined figure—a 10 MPG difference. Dimensionally, the BMW is slightly longer at 212.2 inches versus the S8's 209.5 inches, and it offers nearly 7 cubic feet more cargo space, boasting 19.1 cu ft against the S8's 12.5 cu ft. The powertrain divergence sees the 7 Series utilizing RWD, while the S8 employs AWD, affecting traction dynamics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 7 Series

The 2025 BMW 7 Series wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG versus the S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 7 Series

The 7 Series provides significantly more utility for families with 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 appeals more to enthusiasts, generating 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the 7 Series’ output.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series offers a lower entry barrier at $97,300 and vastly better fuel efficiency for the investment.

Choose the BMW 7 Series if...

Your budget ceiling is near $100,000, given the $97,300 MSRP.
Maximizing fuel range is critical, highlighted by its 28 MPG combined rating.
You require practical space, benefiting from 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Uncompromised straight-line performance is the priority, supported by 563 hp.
All-wheel drive traction is necessary for the driving environment.
A higher output torque rating of 590 lb-ft is desired for responsiveness.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 7 Series	Audi S8
Length	212.2"	209.5"
Width	76.8"	76.6"
Height	60.8"	58.5"
Wheelbase	126.6"	123.2"

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	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5200 rpm	563 hp
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm	590 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	15/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	487.5/604.5 mi.	325.5/520.8 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	—	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	—	✓

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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
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	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

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	—
Wheel Size	20 x 10.5 in.	21 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	✓	265/35R21
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 S8.

What is the primary performance disparity between the 2025 BMW 7 Series and the 2026 Audi S8?

The Audi S8 holds a substantial performance lead, producing 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 7 Series trails considerably with 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, suggesting the S8 is built for quicker acceleration and higher potential speeds.

How does the price difference impact the overall value proposition of these two sedans?

The $32,700 difference in MSRP places the 7 Series at $97,300 and the S8 at $130,000. This large gap, combined with the 7 Series' 28 MPG efficiency versus the S8's 18 MPG, makes the BMW the significantly stronger value proposition for pragmatic buyers.

Which vehicle is better suited for drivers concerned about daily running costs and efficiency?

The 2025 BMW 7 Series is superior for minimizing running costs, posting a 28 MPG combined rating. The Audi S8 requires premium unleaded fuel and returns only 18 MPG combined, indicating higher expenditure at the pump.

Are there notable differences in size or interior usability between the two vehicles?

The BMW 7 Series is slightly larger overall, measuring 212.2 inches in length compared to the S8’s 209.5 inches. Crucially, the 7 Series offers 19.1 cu ft of cargo volume, whereas the S8 restricts storage to 12.5 cu ft.

What accounts for the difference in the standard drive type for each luxury sedan?

The BMW 7 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD). In contrast, the 2026 Audi S8 features all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment, which typically improves traction in variable weather conditions.