2025 BMW M8 Gran Coupe vs 2026 Audi S8

$140,000 · Sedan

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

So, you're staring down the barrel of needing serious speed but also needing four doors—the classic high-performance luxury sedan dilemma. Deciding between the 2025 BMW M8 Gran Coupe and the 2026 Audi S8 comes down to prioritizing raw horsepower versus value and size. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe screams power with 617 hp, easily besting the Audi S8's 563 hp, making it the definitive performance choice, though it commands a $140,000 MSRP. Conversely, the S8 saves you $10,000 upfront at $130,000 and offers superior torque with 590 lb-ft compared to the M8's 553 lb-ft. Interestingly, the slightly larger S8 (209.5 inches long) manages slightly better fuel economy at 18 combined MPG versus the M8's 17 combined MPG, despite the power disparity. Cargo space also tips toward the BMW, offering 15.5 cu ft versus the Audi’s 12.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S8

The Audi S8 offers a slightly better combined fuel economy of 18 MPG, which is marginally beneficial for daily driving routines.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 is physically longer at 209.5 inches and taller at 58.5 inches, suggesting potentially easier ingress/egress for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M8 Gran Coupe

The 2025 BMW M8 Gran Coupe pulls ahead with significantly more peak horsepower, delivering 617 hp compared to the Audi's 563 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S8

The Audi S8 presents a clear value proposition by offering a substantial performance package for $10,000 less than the BMW M8 Gran Coupe.

Choose the BMW M8 Gran Coupe if...

You demand the absolute highest peak horsepower figure, as the M8 delivers 617 hp.
You prefer a slightly more usable trunk, with the M8 offering 15.5 cu ft of cargo space versus 12.5 cu ft in the S8.
You want the slightly more compact exterior footprint, as the M8 is 200.9 inches long compared to the S8's 209.5 inches.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Saving $10,000 on the initial purchase price is a priority, placing the S8 at an MSRP of $130,000.
You prioritize low-end pulling power, as the S8 boasts 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the M8's 553 lb-ft.
You want marginally better highway cruising efficiency, with the S8 achieving 24 MPG highway versus the M8's 22 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M8 Gran Coupe	Audi S8
Length	200.9"	209.5"
Width	76.5"	76.6"
Height	55.9"	58.5"
Wheelbase	119.2"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	617 hp @ 6000 rpm	563 hp
Torque	553 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)	15/22 MPG	15/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	301.5/442.2 mi.	325.5/520.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.1 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	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
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
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	40.6 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	12-way	18-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	18-way
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 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	20 x 10.5 in.	21 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	285/35R Y	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 M8 Gran Coupe and 2026 Audi S8.

How much more expensive is the 2025 BMW M8 Gran Coupe compared to the 2026 Audi S8?

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe carries an MSRP of $140,000, making it exactly $10,000 more expensive than the 2026 Audi S8, which is listed at $130,000. This price difference is a significant factor when considering overall value.

Which sedan is significantly faster in terms of engine output?

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe holds the clear advantage in peak horsepower, putting out 617 hp. The Audi S8 offers a respectable 563 hp, meaning the BMW has a 54 hp lead straight off the spec sheet.

Do these high-performance sedans offer good fuel economy for daily commuting?

Not really, as both require premium unleaded fuel and return low figures. The Audi S8 nets 18 combined MPG (15 city/24 highway), while the BMW M8 Gran Coupe lags slightly behind at 17 combined MPG (15 city/22 highway).

Is there a noticeable difference in torque between the two AWD models?

Yes, the Audi S8 is actually stronger in torque output, generating 590 lb-ft. This contrasts with the M8 Gran Coupe, which produces 553 lb-ft of torque, suggesting the Audi might feel stronger in mid-range acceleration.

Which car is physically larger and does that translate to more space?

The Audi S8 is physically larger overall, measuring 209.5 inches long compared to the M8's 200.9 inches. However, the M8 wins on dedicated luggage capacity, offering 15.5 cu ft versus the S8's 12.5 cu ft.