2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Audi A8

$91,700 · Sedan

$95,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sleek 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the stately 2026 Audi A8 comes down to prioritizing efficiency versus sheer road presence. While both luxury sedans offer identical 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the driving economics diverge significantly. The BMW boasts better fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined compared to the Audi A8's 22 MPG combined, which translates to fewer stops at the premium unleaded pump. Furthermore, the BMW undercuts the A8 on entry price by $3,400, starting at $91,700 versus the Audi's $95,100. However, the A8 offers a notably larger overall footprint, extending 209.5 inches long and having a slightly taller 58.3-inch height, perhaps suggesting more cabin space, despite having 3.0 cubic feet less cargo capacity at 12.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Audi's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi A8

The 2026 Audi A8 offers a larger exterior package, being 209.5 inches long and 58.3 inches high, suggesting potentially more passenger room.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

Although power figures match, the RWD bias of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe typically offers a sportier driving feel than the standard AWD Audi A8.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe presents better immediate value by costing $3,400 less while offering equivalent core performance metrics.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize maximizing efficiency, as the 8 Series delivers 24 MPG combined vs. 22 MPG.
You want to save $3,400 upfront, as the BMW starts at $91,700 compared to the Audi's $95,100 MSRP.
You prefer the traditional dynamic handling characteristics associated with a rear-wheel-drive platform.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

You value enhanced all-weather confidence provided by the standard all-wheel-drive system.
You need the slightly larger exterior dimensions, such as the A8's 209.5-inch length.
You prefer the Audi's standard requirement for premium fuel over the BMW's recommendation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe	Audi A8
Length	200.3"	209.5"
Width	76.1"	76.6"
Height	55.4"	58.3"
Wheelbase	119.0"	123.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5000 rpm	335 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1600 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
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	19/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	378.0/522.0 mi.	412.3/585.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.0 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	✓	✓
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/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	—
Stereo Power	464W	730W
Speaker System	16	17
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
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
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	18-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	18-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	57.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	—
Tire Size	275/35R19	265/40R20
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Tire Type	—	All Season
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 8 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Audi A8.

Are the performance figures identical between the 2025 BMW 8 Series GC and the 2026 Audi A8?

Yes, based on the available specifications, both cars share the exact same output of 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. However, the RWD setup of the BMW might translate those figures differently on the road compared to the A8's standard AWD.

Which sedan offers a better deal considering the MSRP difference?

The 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is the better immediate value, starting at $91,700, which is $3,400 less than the 2026 Audi A8's $95,100 MSRP. Despite the price cut, the BMW maintains superior fuel economy.

Does the larger Audi A8 have more storage space?

Surprisingly, no; despite the Audi A8 being significantly longer at 209.5 inches compared to the BMW's 200.3 inches, the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers more trunk space with 15.5 cu ft versus the A8's 12.5 cu ft.

How significant is the MPG difference for daily driving?

The difference is noticeable: the BMW gets 24 MPG combined while the Audi manages 22 MPG combined, meaning the BMW will require fewer trips to the gas station over the year, especially since both use premium fuel.

Why does the Audi A8 require premium fuel while the BMW only recommends it?

The 2026 Audi A8 mandates premium unleaded fuel for its operation, whereas the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe lists it as recommended. This could imply different compression ratios or tuning between the two manufacturer's 335 hp setups.

Is the Audi A8 noticeably bigger inside and out than the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?

The Audi A8 is definitively larger externally, measuring 209.5 inches long and 58.3 inches high compared to the BMW’s 200.3 inches length and 55.4 inches height. This increased size might translate to slightly better rear headroom, despite the cargo capacity being smaller.