2025 BMW M8 vs 2026 Audi S8

$138,800 · Coupe

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW M8 bursts onto the scene as a pure, aggressive grand touring coupe, packing a ferocious 617 horsepower, promising blistering acceleration tailored for the driving purist. Conversely, the 2026 Audi S8 offers a sophisticated executive sedan experience, leveraging massive 590 lb-ft of torque to deliver immense, refined thrust within a more practical shell. While the M8 boasts a higher power output, the S8 edges out slightly in efficiency with 18 combined MPG versus the M8's 17. The price gap is significant, with the M8 commanding an $8,800 premium over the S8's $130,000 starting price. Furthermore, the M8’s shorter 191.8-inch frame emphasizes agility, contrasting with the S8’s substantial 209.5-inch length, highlighting the M8’s focus on visceral engagement over the S8’s stately presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S8

The Audi S8, being a larger sedan, offers superior passenger comfort and marginally better fuel economy (18 combined MPG) for the daily grind.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S8

Despite slightly less cargo space (12.5 cu ft), the S8's four-door sedan configuration and greater overall length (209.5 inches) make it far more accessible for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M8

The BMW M8 clearly wins the outright performance metric with a commanding 617 hp, appealing directly to drivers prioritizing maximum engine output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S8

The Audi S8 is the superior value proposition, offering strong performance for $8,800 less than the comparable M8.

Choose the BMW M8 if...

You demand the absolute highest horsepower figures available, boasting 617 hp from its engine.
You prioritize the sporty aesthetics and tighter footprint of a two-door coupe body style.
Maximum agility derived from its shorter 191.8-inch length is your primary driving criterion.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You need the practicality of a four-door sedan layout for regular passenger transport.
You value torque dominance, as the S8 delivers a superior 590 lb-ft versus the M8's 553 lb-ft.
Saving $8,800 on the initial purchase price while achieving 18 combined MPG is appealing.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M8	Audi S8
Length	191.8"	209.5"
Width	74.9"	76.6"
Height	53.6"	58.5"
Wheelbase	111.3"	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable 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	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	38.9 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	✓	—
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	—	18-way
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	33.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.5 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	46.9 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	285/35R20	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 and 2026 Audi S8.

How significant is the performance difference between the M8 and the S8?

The 2025 BMW M8 holds a distinct advantage in peak horsepower, producing 617 hp compared to the 2026 Audi S8's 563 hp. However, the S8 counters this with significantly higher peak torque at 590 lb-ft, suggesting explosive off-the-line response.

Which vehicle is more practical for daily driving and errands?

The Audi S8 is the more practical choice due to its sedan body type and greater overall length (209.5 inches), which generally translates to better cabin space. While both require premium fuel, the S8 achieves marginally better highway fuel economy at 24 MPG.

Does the $8,800 price difference reflect a major difference in luxury or features?

While the specifications provided do not detail interior features, the price disparity reflects the M8's positioning as a dedicated, high-output coupe versus the S8's executive sedan focus, with the M8 costing $138,800 versus the S8's $130,000 MSRP.

Are there substantial differences in size affecting parking or garaging?

Yes, the M8 is substantially smaller, measuring 191.8 inches long and 53.6 inches high, making it more compact than the imposing S8 which stretches 209.5 inches in length and stands 58.5 inches tall.

Both cars use an 8-speed automatic transmission; will the driving feel be similar?

Although both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic, the underlying tuning will differ vastly; the M8 will prioritize aggressive, fast shifts suited to its 617 hp output, whereas the S8's transmission will likely prioritize smooth, seamless power delivery to manage its high torque.

Which car offers more usable space for luggage?

Surprisingly, the coupe, the BMW M8, technically offers slightly more maximum cargo volume at 14.8 cubic feet compared to the S8 sedan's 12.5 cubic feet, although the S8's shape might allow for easier loading of bulky items.