2025 BMW M4 CS vs 2026 Audi A8

$123,500 · Coupe

$95,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between raw track excitement and luxurious daily transport often plagues high-end buyers. The 2025 BMW M4 CS, starting at $123,500, offers a hefty 543 hp and focused performance in a compact 189.0-inch coupe package. Conversely, the 2026 Audi A8 leans into executive comfort as a longer 209.5-inch sedan with 335 hp, while costing $28,400 less. This comparison pits raw power against practicality; the M4 CS sacrifices fuel economy, netting only 18 MPG combined versus the A8’s 22 MPG combined. While both offer the same 12 cu ft (M4 CS) and 12.5 cu ft (A8) cargo space, the significant 208 hp difference clearly defines their intended buyers: those craving speed versus those prioritizing long-distance serenity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi A8

The Audi A8 wins for commuting due to better fuel economy (22 MPG combined vs. 18 MPG) and a more comfortable sedan ride.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi A8

The longer 209.5-inch Audi A8 sedan format will naturally offer more passenger comfort than the smaller M4 CS coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4 CS

The BMW M4 CS is clearly aimed at driving enthusiasts, boasting 543 hp compared to the A8's 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi A8

The Audi A8 offers significantly more luxury and size for $28,400 less than the M4 CS.

Choose the BMW M4 CS if...

You prioritize maximum performance, evidenced by the M4 CS's 543 hp output.
You prefer the agility and styling of a smaller, 189.0-inch coupe body style.
Budget is less of a concern, as the $123,500 MSRP is over $28,000 higher than the competition.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

Fuel efficiency matters to you, as the A8 delivers 22 MPG combined versus the M4 CS's 18 MPG.
You need the easier ingress/egress and larger cabin provided by the A8's sedan configuration.
You want the benefit of AWD paired with substantially lower running costs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M4 CS	Audi A8
Length	189.0"	209.5"
Width	75.5"	76.6"
Height	55.1"	58.3"
Wheelbase	112.5"	123.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
LATCH System	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	543 hp @ 6250 rpm	335 hp
Torque	479 lb-ft @ 2750 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	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/23 MPG	19/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	249.6/358.8 mi.	412.3/585.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	21.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Steering Wheel Material	Simulated Suede/Carbon Fiber	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Stereo Power	—	730W
Speaker System	—	17
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 10.5 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	285/30R	265/40R20
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
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 M4 CS and 2026 Audi A8.

Which car is significantly faster in a straight line?

The 2025 BMW M4 CS is substantially faster, producing 543 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. This is a huge 208 hp advantage over the 2026 Audi A8's 335 hp, making the M4 CS the clear choice for raw acceleration needs.

How much more expensive is the M4 CS upfront?

The 2025 BMW M4 CS carries an MSRP of $123,500, making it $28,400 more expensive than the 2026 Audi A8, which starts at $95,100.

Are the cargo capacities different enough to matter for weekly shopping?

Not really; both vehicles offer nearly identical cargo space, with the M4 CS providing 12.0 cu ft and the A8 offering a slight edge at 12.5 cu ft. This difference is negligible for most everyday utility.

Which vehicle is better suited for long highway road trips?

The 2026 Audi A8 is better equipped for long trips, primarily because its efficiency rating is 22 MPG combined compared to the M4 CS's 18 MPG combined. Additionally, the larger, luxury-focused sedan body style usually translates to a quieter ride.

Since both are AWD, is there a big difference in size?

Yes, the Audi A8 is much longer overall; it measures 209.5 inches in length, while the BMW M4 CS coupe is significantly shorter at 189.0 inches, offering better maneuverability but less passenger volume.