2026 Audi S8 vs 2026 BMW 8 Series

$130,000 · Sedan

$91,700 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series is the $38,300 MSRP gap, with the S8 starting at $130,000 compared to the 8 Series' $91,700. This price difference is coupled with substantial performance disparities; the S8 delivers 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the 8 Series' 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 8 Series shows advantages in efficiency and size, achieving a higher assumed MPG due to its lower output and having a lower stance at 53.0 inches versus the S8's 58.5 inches. The Audi, being a larger sedan at 209.5 inches long, offers a more substantial presence, while the BMW coupe has a slightly larger cargo capacity at 14.8 cu ft compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft. The fuel requirements also differ, with the S8 mandating premium unleaded while the 8 Series only recommends it.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series is the better choice for commuters due to its lower initial cost and potentially better fuel economy from its lower-output engine.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S8

Despite being a coupe, the longer 209.5-inch Audi S8 likely offers superior interior roominess necessary for passengers, even if both are non-traditional family haulers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 decisively wins for performance enthusiasts by offering 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series provides significantly less horsepower for $38,300 less, presenting a superior cost-per-horsepower ratio.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Maximum output is the priority, evidenced by the S8's 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is required, as the S8 comes standard with AWD while the 8 Series is RWD.
A larger overall vehicle footprint is desired, with the S8 measuring 209.5 inches in length.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

Adhering to a strict budget is critical, given the $38,300 MSRP difference ($91,700 vs $130,000).
Slightly more accessible cargo space is needed, as the 8 Series offers 14.8 cu ft compared to the S8's 12.5 cu ft.
Lower running costs are preferred, as the S8 requires premium unleaded fuel while the 8 Series only recommends it.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	BMW 8 Series
Length	209.5"	191.2"
Width	76.6"	74.9"
Height	58.5"	53.0"
Wheelbase	123.2"	111.1"

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	✓	—
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	563 hp	335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	590 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/24 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 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.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	14-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	18-way	14-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	33.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	44.3 in.	29.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	46.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/35R21	275/35R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi S8 and 2026 BMW 8 Series.

What is the primary performance gap between the 2026 Audi S8 and the 2026 BMW 8 Series?

The Audi S8 significantly outperforms the BMW 8 Series, delivering 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the 8 Series' 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This 228 hp difference indicates the S8 is built for much higher performance metrics.

How does the MSRP and fuel requirement differ between these two vehicles?

The Audi S8 commands a $130,000 MSRP, $38,300 more than the BMW 8 Series at $91,700. Furthermore, the S8 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 8 Series only recommends it.

Despite the S8 being a larger sedan, which vehicle has better cargo capacity?

The BMW 8 Series, although physically shorter at 191.2 inches versus the S8's 209.5 inches, technically offers more trunk space. The 8 Series provides 14.8 cu ft of cargo volume compared to the S8’s 12.5 cu ft.

Which model is likely more fuel-efficient based on the provided specifications?

While exact MPG figures differ, the 2026 Audi S8 posts a 18 Combined MPG, whereas the less powerful 2026 BMW 8 Series is expected to achieve higher efficiency figures, despite not having its Combined MPG listed directly.

What accounts for the difference in their standard drivetrain setups?

The Audi S8 features standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for superior traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the standard configuration for the BMW 8 Series reviewed here is rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Is there a notable physical size difference beyond just length?

Yes, the Audi S8 is visibly larger and taller, measuring 58.5 inches high and 76.6 inches wide. The BMW 8 Series has a lower profile at 53.0 inches high and 74.9 inches wide, typical of a dedicated sports coupe.