VS
At a Glance
Power
420 kW
400kW@5250
Torque
800 Nm
750Nm@1500
Fuel
10.5 l/100km
13
Towing
2300 Kg
2100
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.6
Engine
3996 cc
5972
Choosing between the Audi S8 and the BMW 7 SERIES is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S8 delivers 420 kW while the BMW 7 SERIES produces 400kW@5250. On fuel, the S8 returns 10.5 l/100km while the 7 SERIES uses 13 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 973 900 for the S8 and R1 785 247 for the 7 SERIES. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
420 kW
400kW@5250
Torque
800 Nm
750Nm@1500
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.6
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
5972
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
8
12
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5 l/100km
13
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
82
CO2 Emissions
245 g/km
303
Dimensions
Length
5190 mm
5212
Width
1945-2130 mm
1902
Height
1475 mm
1484
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3210
Ground Clearance
—
134
Kerb Weight
2230 Kg
2175
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
505 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2300 Kg
2100
Load Capacity
—
500
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S8
Fuel Economy
S8
Value
7 SERIES
Practicality
S8
Pros & Cons
Audi S8
Better fuel economy (10.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2300 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
BMW 7 SERIES
Lower starting price (R1 785 247)
Higher fuel consumption (13)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S8 or 7 SERIES?
The S8 uses 10.5 l/100km and the 7 SERIES uses 13 on the combined cycle. The S8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S8 or 7 SERIES?
The S8 produces 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the 7 SERIES delivers 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the S8 and 7 SERIES?
The S8 starts from R2 973 900 and the 7 SERIES from R1 785 247. The 7 SERIES is cheaper by R1 188 653 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S8 or 7 SERIES?
The S8 has a braked towing capacity of 2300 Kg and the 7 SERIES can tow 2100. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S8 or the 7 SERIES?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.