2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Audi RS 7

$91,700 · Sedan

$132,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the 2026 Audi RS 7 often comes down to balancing accessible luxury with raw performance. Buyers wrestling with a tight budget might hesitate at the $41,000 MSRP gap, where the BMW starts at $91,700 versus the Audi’s $132,700. Performance seekers will immediately notice the substantial 286 hp difference; the RS 7 boasts a muscular 621 hp compared to the BMW’s 335 hp. This power disparity translates directly to running costs, reflected in the fuel economy: the BMW offers a respectable 24 MPG combined, significantly beating the RS 7’s 16 MPG combined rating. While the Audi carries a larger load with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the BMW’s 15.5 cu ft, the more efficient and significantly less expensive 8 Series offers a much better daily driving proposition for most drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Audi's 16 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi RS 7

The 2026 Audi RS 7 accommodates families better by offering substantially more storage with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BMW’s 15.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 7

Enthusiasts will overwhelmingly prefer the Audi RS 7 for its massive power advantage, delivering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe delivers far better value, costing $41,000 less while still offering premium performance and better efficiency.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize cost savings, as the $91,700 MSRP is $41,000 lower than the RS 7.
Your driving routine requires better fuel efficiency, thanks to the BMW's 24 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a RWD platform for a specific driving dynamic, as the RS 7 only offers AWD.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

Maximum straight-line performance is essential, highlighted by the RS 7’s 621 hp output.
You frequently haul larger items and need the extra trunk space provided by its 24.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You desire the added security and grip of an All-Wheel Drive system standard on the Audi.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe	Audi RS 7
Length	200.3"	197.2"
Width	76.1"	76.8"
Height	55.4"	56.1"
Wheelbase	119.0"	115.3"

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	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5000 rpm	621 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	627 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	✓	✓

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	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	14/21 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	378.0/522.0 mi.	270.2/405.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.0 gal.	19.3 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	—	✓

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	—
Speaker System	16	—
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 Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-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	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	55.9 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	—
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	21 in
Tire Size	275/35R19	275/35R21
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	Performance

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 RS 7.

How much more power does the Audi RS 7 offer over the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe?

The 2026 Audi RS 7 is significantly more powerful, delivering 621 hp, which is 286 hp more than the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe’s 335 hp. This large difference means the Audi offers much more aggressive acceleration capabilities.

What is the real-world financial impact of the difference in fuel economy?

The BMW 8 Series achieves 24 MPG combined, while the RS 7 only manages 16 MPG combined, an 8 MPG difference. If you drive 15,000 miles annually, the BMW will require substantially less frequent stops for premium unleaded fuel.

Which car is better equipped for long road trips requiring luggage?

The Audi RS 7 is better suited for carrying luggage, offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is nearly 10 cu ft more than the 15.5 cu ft found in the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.

Why is the Audi RS 7 priced $41,000 higher than the BMW 8 Series?

The significant price difference stems from the Audi being positioned as a high-performance flagship model, featuring a much higher output engine (621 hp vs 335 hp) and more advanced standard performance technology. However, the BMW offers a comparable luxury experience for much less money.

Do both sedans require the same type of fuel, and does the transmission differ?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. However, the BMW only recommends premium unleaded, whereas the high-output Audi RS 7 mandates premium unleaded for its required operation.

How do the physical sizes of these two sedans compare?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is slightly longer at 200.3 inches, but the Audi RS 7 is slightly wider (76.8 inches vs 76.1 inches) and taller (56.1 inches vs 55.4 inches), suggesting a slightly more squat and aggressive stance for the Audi.