2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2026 Audi S8
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2026 Audi S8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lies in performance, with the Audi S8 boasting 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, a substantial 121 hp advantage for the Audi. This performance gap is reflected in the fuel economy, where the S-Class achieves a superior 24 MPG combined versus the S8's 18 MPG combined, a difference of 6 MPG. The S-Class starts at a more accessible MSRP of $117,750, undercutting the $130,000 price of the S8 by $12,250. Despite the power difference, the dimensions are close, though the S8 is slightly longer at 209.5 inches compared to the S-Class's 208.2 inches. Cargo space favors neither significantly, with 12.8 cu ft in the S-Class versus 12.5 cu ft in the S8.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG versus the S8's 18 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class offers slightly more usable storage space with 12.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft.
2026 Audi S8
The 2026 Audi S8 dominates in raw performance metrics, delivering 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class presents significantly better value by costing $12,250 less while still providing substantial luxury and standard AWD.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is a priority, given its 24 MPG combined rating versus the S8's 18 MPG.
- The budget is constrained, as the S-Class starts at $117,750, which is $12,250 cheaper than the S8.
- A slightly larger trunk capacity of 12.8 cu ft is preferred over the S8's 12.5 cu ft.
Choose the Audi S8 if...
- Maximum acceleration and straight-line speed are paramount, thanks to its 563 hp engine.
- Higher torque output of 590 lb-ft is desired for effortless pulling power.
- The owner prioritizes the slightly longer overall body length of 209.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Audi S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 208.2" | 209.5" |
| Width | 76.9" | 76.6" |
| Height | 59.2" | 58.5" |
| Wheelbase | 126.6" | 123.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 442 hp | 563 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 15/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 18 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 420.0/620.0 mi. | 325.5/520.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cooled Storage Compartment | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 21 in |
| Tire Size | 255/45R19 | 265/35R21 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
| 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 S8.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 S-Class and the 2026 S8?
The 2026 Audi S8 is significantly more potent, producing 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers a respectable 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, making the S8 the clear choice for raw power.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Audi S8 compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Audi S8 carries a starting MSRP of $130,000, positioning it $12,250 higher than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which starts at $117,750.
Which sedan is better for long-distance highway driving in terms of fuel usage?
The 2025 S-Class offers better fuel economy across the board, achieving 31 MPG highway versus the S8's 24 MPG highway rating. This results in a 6 MPG advantage in combined driving (24 MPG vs 18 MPG).
Are the physical dimensions vastly different between these two luxury sedans?
The overall footprint is similar, but the 2026 Audi S8 is marginally longer at 209.5 inches compared to the S-Class's 208.2 inches. Width and height differences are minimal, with the S-Class being slightly taller at 59.2 inches.
Do both models require premium fuel and utilize all-wheel drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the 2026 Audi S8 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel and are equipped standard with all-wheel drive systems.
How do the cargo capacities compare for practical hauling?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, offering a slight edge over the 2026 Audi S8, which has 12.5 cubic feet available.
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