2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2026 Audi A8

$117,750 · Sedan

$95,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (car1) and the 2026 Audi A8 (car2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the S-Class commanding a $22,650 premium at $117,750 compared to the A8's $95,100. This price gap reflects a substantial power difference, as car1 produces 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding car2's 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. In efficiency metrics, the S-Class achieves a marginally better combined MPG of 24 versus the A8's 22 MPG. Both vehicles share AWD drivetrains and require premium unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the A8 is slightly longer at 209.5 inches versus the S-Class's 208.2 inches, though cargo capacity is nearly identical at 12.8 cu ft (car1) and 12.5 cu ft (car2). The comparison highlights a choice between superior output and lower acquisition cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi A8

The 2026 Audi A8 wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $95,100 and marginally more efficient 22 combined MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides a slightly larger 12.8 cu ft of cargo space and greater overall interior volume implied by its luxury segment positioning.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers 107 more horsepower (442 hp vs. 335 hp) and greater torque (413 lb-ft vs. 369 lb-ft), indicating superior dynamic performance.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi A8

The 2026 Audi A8 offers a compelling entry point into the flagship sedan segment, undercuting the S-Class by $22,650.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Maximum performance is the priority, evidenced by the 442 hp output, which is 107 hp greater than the A8.
A preference exists for the marginally higher fuel economy rating of 24 combined MPG.
The budget permits paying the $117,750 MSRP for the implied segment superiority and higher torque figures (413 lb-ft).

Choose the Audi A8 if...

Cost savings are critical, as the $95,100 MSRP represents a $22,650 savings over the S-Class.
A slightly longer exterior profile (209.5 inches vs. 208.2 inches) is desired for road presence.
The requirement is for the more accessible 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the S-Class's 9-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz S-Class	Audi A8
Length	208.2"	209.5"
Width	76.9"	76.6"
Height	59.2"	58.3"
Wheelbase	126.6"	123.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	442 hp	335 hp
Torque	413 lb-ft	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/31 MPG	19/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/620.0 mi.	412.3/585.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	21.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.8 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	—
Stereo Power	710W	730W
Speaker System	15	17
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	42.1 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
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	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	18-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Massage Function	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.8 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	57.6 in.
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Size	255/45R19	265/40R20
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2026 Audi A8.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 S-Class and the 2026 A8?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class holds a clear advantage in raw power output, producing 442 horsepower, which is 107 hp more than the 2026 Audi A8's 335 horsepower. This translates to a superior torque figure as well, with the S-Class achieving 413 lb-ft versus the A8's 369 lb-ft.

How significant is the price difference for potential buyers?

The price difference is substantial, with the 2025 S-Class starting at $117,750 and the 2026 A8 priced at $95,100. This results in a $22,650 premium required to acquire the Mercedes model over the Audi.

Are the fuel economy figures vastly different between the two luxury sedans?

The difference in fuel efficiency is modest; the S-Class achieves 24 combined MPG (21 city/31 highway), while the A8 rates at 22 combined MPG (19 city/27 highway). Both vehicles necessitate the use of premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers more usable cargo space?

Cargo space is nearly equivalent, with the S-Class offering 12.8 cubic feet and the A8 providing 12.5 cubic feet. This small disparity means both vehicles are very comparable in terms of trunk capacity for luggage.

Do both sedans feature all-wheel drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the 2026 Audi A8 are equipped standard with an all-wheel drive system, ensuring similar traction capabilities in varied road conditions.

How do the exterior dimensions compare between these two long-wheelbase competitors?

The 2026 Audi A8 is fractionally longer at 209.5 inches compared to the S-Class's 208.2 inches, though the S-Class is slightly wider (76.9 inches vs. 76.6 inches) and taller (59.2 inches vs. 58.3 inches).