VS
At a Glance
Power
420 kW
230 kW
Torque
800 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
10.5 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
2300 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
5.6 s
Engine
3996 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Audi S8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S8 delivers 420 kW while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 230 kW. On fuel, the S8 returns 10.5 l/100km while the S-Class uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 973 900 for the S8 and R2 662 146 for the S-Class. 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
230 kW
Torque
800 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
65 (opt 76) l
CO2 Emissions
245 g/km
169 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5190 mm
5289 mm
Width
1945-2130 mm
1954-2109 mm
Height
1475 mm
1503 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3216 mm
Kerb Weight
2230 Kg
2110 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5 (opt 4)
Load Volume
505 l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2300 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
—
655 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
7 (opt 9 / opt 11)
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S8
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
S-Class
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
Audi S8
More powerful engine (420 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2300 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 662 146)
Less power than rival (230 kW vs 420 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S8 or S-Class?
The S8 uses 10.5 l/100km and the S-Class uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S-Class 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 S-Class?
The S8 produces 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The S8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S8 and S-Class?
The S8 starts from R2 973 900 and the S-Class from R2 662 146. The S-Class is cheaper by R311 754 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S8 or S-Class?
The S8 has a braked towing capacity of 2300 Kg and the S-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S8 or the S-Class?
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.