2025 BMW M4 CS vs 2026 Audi S8
Comparison Overview
Deciding between raw track-honed performance and luxurious high-speed executive transport often stumps buyers looking at premium performance machines. The 2025 BMW M4 CS lands at an MSRP of $123,500, boasting 543 hp, clearly positioned as the sharper sports machine. Conversely, the 2026 Audi S8, priced at $130,000, offers a significant edge in outright pulling power with 590 lb-ft of torque, while still achieving the same 18 combined MPG as the M4 CS. Size matters too: the S8 is notably longer at 209.5 inches compared to the M4 CS's 189.0 inches, suggesting more interior space, despite both offering nearly identical 12 to 12.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. For those prioritizing agility in a focused package, the M4 CS is compelling; however, the S8’s blend of massive torque and sedan practicality demands attention.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi S8
The Audi S8, being a larger sedan, inherently offers a more comfortable and spacious experience for daily driving compared to the coupe M4 CS.
2026 Audi S8
The Audi S8 provides greater overall length (209.5 inches) and height (58.5 inches), resulting in easier access and potentially more rear passenger room.
2025 BMW M4 CS
While both are fast, the M4 CS is engineered as a dedicated, lighter coupe platform focused purely on sporty dynamics.
2025 BMW M4 CS
The BMW M4 CS offers a lower entry price point at $123,500 compared to the Audi S8's $130,000, securing a $6,500 savings.
Choose the BMW M4 CS if...
- You prefer the focused, agile handling characteristics of a dedicated coupe body style over a large sedan.
- You want to save $6,500 in initial outlay, as the M4 CS is priced at $123,500.
- You value higher horsepower (543 hp) in a slightly smaller, more nimble package for spirited driving.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- You require the immense pulling power provided by the S8's superior 590 lb-ft of torque.
- Practicality is key, needing a traditional sedan format that is 209.5 inches long.
- You prioritize a slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 24 MPG versus the M4 CS's 23 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M4 CS | Audi S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.0" | 209.5" |
| Width | 75.5" | 76.6" |
| Height | 55.1" | 58.5" |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 123.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 543 hp @ 6250 rpm | 563 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft @ 2750 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 | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 16/23 MPG | 15/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 18 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 249.6/358.8 mi. | 325.5/520.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cooled Storage Compartment | — | ✓ |
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. |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 18-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 18-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 10.5 in. | 21 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/30R | 265/35R21 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 S8.
Is the higher power of the Audi S8 worth the extra cost over the BMW M4 CS?
The Audi S8 outputs 563 hp and massive 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the M4 CS's 543 hp and 479 lb-ft, making it substantially stronger in torque. However, the M4 CS is $6,500 cheaper, meaning you are paying for that extra 10 lb-ft margin.
Which car is physically larger for daily driving?
The 2026 Audi S8 is significantly larger, measuring 209.5 inches long, 76.6 inches wide, and 58.5 inches tall. The 2025 BMW M4 CS is more compact across all dimensions, which might aid in tighter parking situations.
Do these two premium performance cars offer different fuel economy?
Surprisingly, both vehicles are rated at 18 combined MPG. The S8 edges out slightly on the highway with 24 MPG versus the M4 CS’s 23 MPG, though both require premium unleaded fuel.
How does cargo space compare between the coupe and the sedan?
Despite being a sedan, the Audi S8 only offers a marginal advantage in storage with 12.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BMW M4 CS coupe's 12 cu ft. Both are somewhat limited for large shopping trips.
Are the drivetrains significantly different?
No, both utilize an all-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting similar levels of grip and rapid gear changes.
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