2026 Audi S8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$130,000 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Audi S8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class often comes down to prioritizing sheer performance versus long-term running costs. The $10,500 price gap is significant, positioning the Mercedes slightly ahead on initial outlay. However, the Audi S8 screams performance with its 563 hp and a massive 590 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear speed machine. Conversely, the S-Class offers superior efficiency, boasting a 23 MPG combined versus the Audi’s 18 MPG combined. While both are luxurious flagships, the practical difference is highlighted by the 5 MPG advantage the S-Class holds, which translates to fewer stops at the premium unleaded pump over the life of ownership, despite the S8's higher power output. The S8's 12.5 cu ft cargo space is slightly smaller than the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 23 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Audi S8's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class offers slightly more practical space with 12.8 cu ft of cargo capacity and a marginally higher roofline at 59.2 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 appeals more to enthusiasts with its dominant 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers better perceived value by undercutting the Audi S8's MSRP by $10,500 while still delivering luxury and better MPG.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

You demand the absolute maximum performance, evident in the S8's 563 hp.
You prefer the slightly higher torque figure of 590 lb-ft for effortless highway passing.
You don't mind paying $10,500 more upfront for a higher-output performance sedan.

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

You prioritize fuel economy, benefiting from the S-Class's 29 MPG highway rating.
You want the lower initial investment, starting at $119,500.
You need the slightly smoother power delivery potentially suggested by the 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S8	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	209.5"	209.5"
Width	76.6"	75.6"
Height	58.5"	59.2"
Wheelbase	123.2"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	563 hp	442 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft	413 lb-ft
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	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/24 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	325.5/520.8 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	710W
Speaker System	17	15
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	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/35R21	255/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi S8 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How much more efficient is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class compared to the Audi S8?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is significantly more efficient, achieving 23 MPG combined, while the 2026 Audi S8 is rated at 18 MPG combined. This results in a 5 MPG difference favoring the S-Class for daily driving.

Is the power difference between the two sedans substantial for daily driving?

Yes, the Audi S8 offers a notable power advantage with 563 hp compared to the S-Class's 442 hp, a difference of 121 horsepower. Both cars have AWD and premium fuel requirements.

What is the MSRP difference between the top-tier Audi and Mercedes models?

The 2026 Audi S8 commands an MSRP of $130,000, making it $10,500 more expensive than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starting price of $119,500.

Which sedan has more usable cargo space for trips?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers slightly more storage, providing 12.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Audi S8’s 12.5 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles use the same drive type and transmission configuration?

Both the S8 and the S-Class utilize an all-wheel-drive configuration. However, the S8 features an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the S-Class is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic.

Are there noticeable physical dimension differences between these large sedans?

While both measure 209.5 inches in length, the S-Class is marginally wider (75.6 inches vs 76.6 inches for the S8) and slightly taller (59.2 inches vs 58.5 inches for the S8).