2025 BMW 8 Series vs 2026 Audi RS 7

$91,700 · Coupe

$132,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW 8 Series and the 2026 Audi RS 7 lies in their initial purchase price, separating the models by $41,000, with the Audi starting at $132,700 versus the BMW’s $91,700 MSRP. Performance disparity is equally stark; the RS 7 boasts 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, comprehensively overshadowing the 8 Series’ 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. This performance gap correlates directly with fuel economy, as the BMW achieves a 24 MPG combined rating, while the RS 7 manages only 16 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Audi is longer (197.2 inches vs. 191.2 inches) and offers substantially more utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the BMW's 14.8 cu ft. This comparison pits entry-level luxury coupe performance against high-tier sedan dominance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series

The 2025 BMW 8 Series wins due to its superior 24 MPG combined rating, resulting in lower operational costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi RS 7

The 2026 Audi RS 7 offers superior utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 8 Series' 14.8 cu ft, fitting more gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 7

The 2026 Audi RS 7 delivers substantially higher output with 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque compared to the 8 Series' 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series provides significantly more horsepower per dollar spent, given the $41,000 MSRP difference.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

Your primary goal is maximizing fuel efficiency, as the 8 Series achieves 24 MPG combined.
You prioritize a lower entry cost, starting at an MSRP of $91,700.
Rear-wheel drive architecture is preferred over the standard all-wheel drive of the competitor.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

Maximum acceleration and output are essential, evidenced by 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
You require a larger, more practical vehicle with 24.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
All-wheel drive security is necessary, contrasting with the 8 Series' RWD setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series	Audi RS 7
Length	191.2"	197.2"
Width	74.9"	76.8"
Height	53.0"	56.1"
Wheelbase	111.1"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

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	—
Subwoofer Count	2	—
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	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.9 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	14-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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	14-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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	33.6 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.5 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	46.9 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
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 and 2026 Audi RS 7.

What is the primary difference in performance specifications between the two vehicles?

The 2026 Audi RS 7 produces 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly more powerful than the 2025 BMW 8 Series, which is rated at 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel economy compare based on their respective MPG ratings?

The BMW 8 Series offers a distinct efficiency advantage, achieving a combined 24 MPG (21 City/29 Highway), whereas the performance-focused Audi RS 7 is rated for only 16 MPG combined (14 City/21 Highway).

Which vehicle provides more usable storage space?

The 2026 Audi RS 7 is the clear leader in utility, providing 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity; the 2025 BMW 8 Series offers only 14.8 cu ft.

What is the total MSRP difference between the 2025 BMW 8 Series and the 2026 Audi RS 7?

The Audi RS 7 has an MSRP of $132,700, placing it $41,000 higher than the BMW 8 Series, which starts at $91,700.

Are the fuel requirements the same for both the 8 Series and the RS 7?

No, the 2025 BMW 8 Series recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the 2026 Audi RS 7 strictly requires premium unleaded for its higher-output engine.

How do the body styles and drive types differ between these two competitors?

The BMW 8 Series is categorized as a Coupe with a rear-wheel-drive configuration, contrasting with the Audi RS 7, which is a Sedan utilizing an all-wheel-drive system.