VS
At a Glance
Power
420 kW
450 kW
Torque
800 Nm
900 Nm
Fuel
10.5 l/100km
14.0 l/100km
Towing
2300 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.5 s
Engine
3996 cc
5980 cc
Choosing between the Audi S8 and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S8 delivers 420 kW while the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class produces 450 kW. On fuel, the S8 returns 10.5 l/100km while the S-Class uses 14.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 973 900 for the S8 and R5 208 169 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
450 kW
Torque
800 Nm
900 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.5 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
5980 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
12
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5 l/100km
14.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
245 g/km
321 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5190 mm
5469 mm
Width
1945-2130 mm
1921-2109 mm
Height
1475 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3396 mm
Kerb Weight
2230 Kg
2330 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
505 l
470 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2300 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
560 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
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
Audi S8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S8
Value
S8
Practicality
S8
Pros & Cons
Audi S8
Better fuel economy (10.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 973 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Less power than rival (420 kW vs 450 kW)
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
More powerful engine (450 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (14.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
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 14.0 l/100km 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 S-Class?
The S8 produces 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 450 kW and 900 Nm of torque. The S-Class 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 R5 208 169. The S8 is cheaper by R2 234 269 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 not specified. 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.