2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Audi S8

$91,700 · Sedan

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

So, you're caught between wanting refined, day-to-day luxury and needing outright performance in a large sedan? That's the classic dilemma facing shoppers considering the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe versus the 2026 Audi S8. The BMW entry point sits much lower at an MSRP of $91,700, offering a respectable 335 horsepower for its daily duties, while sipping fuel more easily with a combined 24 MPG. On the other hand, the Audi S8 demands a substantial $130,000 price tag, but it delivers sledgehammer performance with 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While the S8 is notably larger overall—209.5 inches long versus the 8 Series Gran Coupe's 200.3 inches—it pays for that power with worse efficiency, achieving only 18 MPG combined. Choosing between these titans really boils down to whether you prioritize efficiency and upfront cost savings or seek massive power gains, represented by the 228 horsepower gap.

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 combined 24 MPG fuel economy compared to the S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW offers a larger 15.5 cu ft cargo capacity and is substantially less expensive than the Audi.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, boasting 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW saves buyers $38,300 in initial cost while providing significantly better fuel efficiency.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

You need to maximize efficiency, as the 8 Series Gran Coupe achieves 24 MPG combined.
You are budget-conscious, saving $38,300 over the S8 with an MSRP of $91,700.
You prefer the slightly more manageable size and slightly larger trunk space of 15.5 cu ft.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You demand maximum output, as the S8 delivers 563 horsepower.
You require All-Wheel Drive capability for varied driving conditions.
You prioritize torque, as the S8 offers 590 lb-ft to the BMW's 369 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe	Audi S8
Length	200.3"	209.5"
Width	76.1"	76.6"
Height	55.4"	58.5"
Wheelbase	119.0"	123.2"

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	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear 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	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5000 rpm	563 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1600 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
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	15/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	378.0/522.0 mi.	325.5/520.8 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	—	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	—	✓

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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

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	—
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	21 in
Tire Size	275/35R19	265/35R21
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	Performance
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 S8.

What is the real-world impact of the large price difference between these two sedans?

The 2026 Audi S8 starts at $130,000, which is $38,300 more than the $91,700 starting price of the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. This substantial difference directly impacts depreciation, insurance costs, and the initial outlay for luxury features.

How much power difference can I expect between the base 8 Series Gran Coupe and the S8?

The difference is significant: the 2026 Audi S8 offers 563 horsepower, an increase of 228 horsepower over the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe’s 335 horsepower. Furthermore, the Audi brings a much higher 590 lb-ft of torque to the table.

Is the Audi S8 practical for road trips given its fuel economy?

The Audi S8 is thirsty for its premium fuel, rating only 18 MPG combined (15 city/24 highway). If you frequently cover long highway distances, the BMW's 24 MPG combined rating will save considerable time and money at the pump.

Which car offers more usable space for passengers and luggage?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is the more practical hauler with 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Audi S8's 12.5 cubic feet. Additionally, the BMW is slightly narrower, which might help in tight city garages.

Do both cars require the same fuel?

Both vehicles recommend premium gasoline, but the Audi S8 explicitly *requires* premium unleaded due to its high-output engine configuration. The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe recommends it for peak performance.

How does the drivetrain layout affect driving dynamics?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe comes standard with rear-wheel drive, favoring a traditional sporty feel. Conversely, the 2026 Audi S8 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system, generally providing better traction and stability, especially when deploying its high power figures.