2025 BMW M5 vs 2026 Audi S8
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW M5 and the 2026 Audi S8 is the substantial 154 horsepower advantage held by the M5, delivering 717 hp compared to the S8's 563 hp. This performance disparity is reflected in the MSRP, with the M5 starting at $119,500 against the S8's $130,000—a $10,500 initial saving for the BMW. Fuel economy presents another clear contrast; the plug-in hybrid M5 achieves 14 combined MPG and an exclusive 27 miles of electric range, whereas the conventionally powered S8 delivers 18 combined MPG. Although the S8 is slightly more efficient without electricity, the M5 boasts superior utility with 16.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the S8's 12.5 cu ft. Finally, the M5 is physically smaller, measuring 200.6 inches in length compared to the S8’s expansive 209.5 inches, impacting maneuverability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW M5
The 2025 BMW M5 wins due to its 27 miles of usable electric range, significantly reducing stop-and-go commuting fuel consumption compared to the Audi S8.
2025 BMW M5
The M5 offers greater utility for passengers, providing 16.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S8's smaller 12.5 cu ft space.
2025 BMW M5
The 2025 M5 is the definitive performance choice, offering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the S8's output.
2025 BMW M5
The BMW M5 is the better value proposition, undercutting the Audi S8's MSRP by $10,500 while offering significantly higher horsepower.
Choose the BMW M5 if...
- Maximum straight-line acceleration and power output (717 hp) are the primary requirements.
- The user prioritizes hybrid efficiency for daily driving, leveraging the 27-mile electric range.
- A lower initial investment ($119,500 MSRP) is desired over the Audi's $130,000 entry point.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- A focus on traditional gasoline fuel efficiency is critical, evidenced by 18 combined MPG versus the M5's 14 combined MPG.
- A longer overall vehicle footprint (209.5 inches) is preferred for road presence.
- The buyer favors the Audi's slightly lower 58.5-inch height and 76.6-inch width in tight parking situations.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M5 | Audi S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.6" | 209.5" |
| Width | 77.6" | 76.6" |
| Height | 59.4" | 58.5" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 123.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.4 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 717 hp @ 5600 rpm | 563 hp |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 590 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 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) | 12/17 MPG | 15/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 14 MPG | 18 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 190.8/270.3 mi. | 325.5/520.8 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 45/57 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 50 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 27 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 59 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 4.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 21.7 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating | — | ✓ |
| Cooled Storage Compartment | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bowers & Wilkins | — |
| Stereo Power | 655W | 730W |
| Speaker System | 18 | 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 |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Bang & Olufsen |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 18-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 18-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.2 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.9 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 | 21 x 11.0 in. | 21 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 295/35R21 | 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. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 M5 and 2026 Audi S8.
How much faster is the 2025 BMW M5 than the 2026 Audi S8?
The BMW M5 possesses a substantial performance advantage, boasting 717 horsepower, which is 154 hp more than the Audi S8's 563 hp rating. This power difference is supported by 738 lb-ft of torque in the M5 versus 590 lb-ft in the S8, suggesting superior acceleration capabilities.
Which sedan offers better efficiency for daily commuting?
The BMW M5 is engineered for better city efficiency via its plug-in hybrid system, offering a 27-mile electric range before needing gasoline. While the Audi S8 achieves a higher overall combined MPG of 18 compared to the M5's 14 combined MPG, the M5's ability to operate purely on battery power negates fuel use entirely for shorter commutes.
What is the cost difference between the two flagship sedans?
The 2026 Audi S8 carries an MSRP of $130,000, positioning it $10,500 more expensive than the 2025 BMW M5, which starts at $119,500. Buyers must also consider that the M5 requires premium unleaded fuel when the battery is depleted, similar to the S8.
Does one model offer significantly more practical storage space?
Yes, the BMW M5 is the more practical option for cargo, offering 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space. The 2026 Audi S8 trails significantly in this metric, providing only 12.5 cu ft of storage capacity.
How do their physical dimensions compare for garage fitting?
The Audi S8 is considerably longer at 209.5 inches compared to the M5's 200.6 inches, which might affect garage depth requirements. However, the M5 is slightly wider at 77.6 inches versus the S8's 76.6 inches.
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