2026 Audi A8 vs 2026 BMW M4

$95,100 · Sedan

$81,300 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Audi A8 commands attention with its stately presence, offering a plush cabin experience aimed at refined cruising, bolstered by its standard all-wheel drive and a respectable 22 MPG combined. Contrast this with the 2026 BMW M4, a pure expression of driving passion, unleashing 473 hp through a thrilling 6-speed manual transmission. The A8 stretches 209.5 inches long, emphasizing rear legroom and executive stature, while the M4 is notably more compact at 189.1 inches. Though the M4 boasts a significant 138 hp advantage over the A8's 335 hp, the A8 is less demanding on the wallet upfront, listing at $95,100 versus the M4's $81,300. This comparison pits ultimate comfort and subtle AWD capability against raw, RWD performance wrapped in a sharper, more aggressive package.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi A8

The Audi A8's larger dimensions and focus on comfort make it the superior, more serene choice for daily driving tasks.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi A8

The A8, being a larger sedan, inherently offers more cabin space and likely a more accommodating rear seat experience than the compact M4 coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M4

The BMW M4 wins here with significantly higher output, delivering 473 hp, and the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M4

The M4 offers 138 more horsepower for $13,800 less than the Audi A8, representing superior performance value.

Choose the Audi A8 if...

You prioritize plush luxury and a quieter ride over outright track performance.
Your driving involves regular inclement weather, benefiting from the sure-footed all-wheel drive system.
You need the superior road presence and length of a full-size luxury sedan (209.5 inches).

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You seek maximum power, evidenced by the M4's 473 hp output.
You crave driver involvement, which the 6-speed manual transmission delivers.
You require slightly more accessible storage, as the M4 offers 15.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A8's 12.5 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A8	BMW M4
Length	209.5"	189.1"
Width	76.6"	74.3"
Height	58.3"	55.0"
Wheelbase	123.1"	112.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	335 hp	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm
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	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	412.3/585.9 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	15.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls 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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	464W
Speaker System	17	16
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	35.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	265/40R20	285/35R Z
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 10.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Audi	BMW
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./ 30000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi A8 and 2026 BMW M4.

How much more powerful is the BMW M4 compared to the Audi A8?

The 2026 BMW M4 packs a significant punch with 473 hp, creating a difference of 138 horsepower when stacked against the Audi A8's 335 hp output.

Which vehicle is cheaper to purchase initially?

The 2026 BMW M4 has a lower starting MSRP of $81,300, meaning buyers save $13,800 compared to the 2026 Audi A8's sticker price of $95,100.

What is the primary difference in driving dynamics between these two cars?

The M4 utilizes a rear-wheel-drive setup paired with a 6-speed manual for maximum driver engagement, whereas the A8 employs all-wheel drive with a shiftable automatic transmission focused on smooth, stable power delivery.

Is there a major difference in size and passenger accommodation?

Yes, the Audi A8 is considerably larger, measuring 209.5 inches long compared to the M4's 189.1 inches, suggesting superior comfort for rear passengers in the A8 sedan.

How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?

The Audi A8 achieves a combined 22 MPG, offering better efficiency than the high-performance M4, which is not given an official combined MPG rating in this comparison.