2025 BMW 8 Series vs 2026 Audi S8

$91,700 · Coupe

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Trying to choose between the sporty elegance of the 2025 BMW 8 Series and the imposing performance of the 2026 Audi S8? It often boils down to budget versus ultimate power. The BMW 8 Series sets a reachable entry point at an MSRP of $91,700, delivering a respectable 335 hp and achieving a combined 24 MPG. In contrast, the Audi S8 demands a premium entry price of $130,000 but throws down significantly more performance with 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. While the 8 Series offers better fuel economy (29 highway MPG vs. the S8's 24 highway MPG), the massive 228 hp deficit means you are paying a $38,300 premium for raw speed and the larger, 209.5-inch sedan body of the S8. The decision hinges on whether you value efficiency and a lower initial cost or outright dominance in acceleration and size.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series

The 2025 BMW 8 Series is the better commuter thanks to its superior combined 24 MPG fuel economy compared to the Audi S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S8

Although neither is ideal, the 2026 Audi S8 wins due to its larger, more practical 4-door sedan body style and greater overall length (209.5 inches).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 is the clear choice for speed enthusiasts, boasting 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, vastly outweighing the BMW's 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series offers strong performance for $38,300 less than the S8, making it the better financial proposition.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

You prioritize running costs and better efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG.
You prefer the classic, sleek look and handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Keeping the initial purchase price under $100,000 is important, as the MSRP starts at $91,700.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You need the added usability of four doors and a longer wheelbase provided by its 209.5-inch sedan body.
You demand extreme performance metrics like 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the added security of all-wheel drive in diverse driving conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series	Audi S8
Length	191.2"	209.5"
Width	74.9"	76.6"
Height	53.0"	58.5"
Wheelbase	111.1"	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable 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	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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
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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.9 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	14-way	18-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	18-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	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	33.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.5 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	46.9 in.	57.6 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	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 and 2026 Audi S8.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Audi S8 compared to the 2025 BMW 8 Series?

The 2026 Audi S8 has a significant price jump; its MSRP starts at $130,000, which is $38,300 more expensive than the BMW 8 Series starting at $91,700.

Is the fuel economy difference noticeable between these two luxury vehicles?

Yes, the difference is substantial for daily driving; the BMW 8 Series achieves 24 combined MPG, whereas the higher-powered Audi S8 only manages 18 combined MPG.

Which car is the better choice for someone looking for outright speed?

The Audi S8 is superior for straight-line performance, offering 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 8 Series' 335 hp.

Does the body style affect cargo space significantly?

Yes, the BMW 8 Series coupe offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly more than the larger Audi S8 sedan, which provides 12.5 cubic feet.

What is the main difference in drivetrain setup?

The BMW 8 Series uses a traditional rear-wheel drive setup, while the Audi S8 utilizes an all-wheel drive system, which complements its higher power output.