2025 BMW M8 vs 2026 Audi RS 7

$138,800 · Coupe

$132,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW M8 bursts onto the scene as the ultimate German coupe, boasting a thrilling 617 horsepower delivered through its capable AWD system, designed for pure two-door exhilaration. Conversely, the 2026 Audi RS 7 redefines the high-performance four-door, bringing staggering 627 horsepower and a monumental 627 lb-ft of torque, making it the torque champion. While the M8 is slightly more compact at 191.8 inches long and offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space, the RS 7 emphasizes practicality with its sedan body, generous 24.6 cubic feet of trunk space, and a nearly identical 16 combined MPG rating versus the M8's 17. Despite the Audi producing 10 more horsepower, the M8 maintains a slight edge in fuel efficiency, though both demand premium fuel for their relentless V8 performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW M8

The marginally better 17 combined MPG of the BMW M8 gives it a slight advantage for daily driving efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 wins decisively for families due to its 24.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the M8's 14.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 appeals more to raw performance enthusiasts with its superior 627 lb-ft of torque compared to the M8's 553 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 offers 10 more horsepower and substantially more cargo space for a $6,100 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the BMW M8 if...

You prioritize the classic, focused profile and handling dynamics of a dedicated two-door coupe.
You need the slightly better fuel economy, achieving 17 combined MPG.
You prefer the BMW's lower exterior height of 53.6 inches for a more planted stance.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

You demand maximum pulling power, featuring 627 lb-ft of torque.
You require usable rear access and ample storage, benefiting from 24.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You are seeking better overall value, costing $6,100 less while delivering 621 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M8	Audi RS 7
Length	191.8"	197.2"
Width	74.9"	76.8"
Height	53.6"	56.1"
Wheelbase	111.3"	115.3"

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 Fixed 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	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	621 hp
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	627 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	✓	✓

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	14/21 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	301.5/442.2 mi.	270.2/405.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.1 gal.	19.3 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

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	—
Speaker System	16	—
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)	—	✓

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 Extended

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.9 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-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	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	33.6 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.5 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	46.9 in.	55.9 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	285/35R20	275/35R21
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 and 2026 Audi RS 7.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience?

For sheer driving dynamics and classic coupe proportions, the BMW M8 is often favored; however, the Audi RS 7 delivers overwhelming low-end grunt with 627 lb-ft of torque, making it ferocious in a straight line.

How significant is the size difference between the two vehicles?

The Audi RS 7 is noticeably larger overall, measuring 197.2 inches long compared to the M8's 191.8 inches. This extra length on the RS 7 translates directly into superior cargo capability.

Is the BMW M8 significantly more fuel-efficient than the RS 7?

Not significantly, though the M8 holds a slight advantage, achieving 17 combined MPG versus the RS 7's 16 combined MPG. Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel and share an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Which car is better suited for carrying passengers and luggage?

The 2026 Audi RS 7 is the clear winner for utility, offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo space thanks to its practical sedan layout, easily overshadowing the M8’s 14.8 cu ft coupe capacity.

How much power do these cars produce in the comparison?

The Audi RS 7 edges out the BMW M8 in peak output, delivering 621 horsepower compared to the M8's 617 horsepower. Both utilize AWD and 8-speed automatic transmissions.