VS
At a Glance
Power
335hp @ 5000
717hp @ 5600
Torque
369lb-ft @ 1370
738lb-ft @ 1800
Fuel
23 mpg est.
13 MPG Combined / 25 Range
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
4.4 L/268ci
Choosing between the Audi A8 and the BMW M5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A8 delivers 335hp @ 5000 while the BMW M5 produces 717hp @ 5600. On fuel, the A8 returns 23 mpg est. while the M5 uses 13 MPG Combined / 25 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $92,000 for the A8 and $121,500 for the M5. 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 (hp)
335hp @ 5000
717hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 1370
738lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
4.4 L/268ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
—
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
13 MPG Combined / 25 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
15.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
208.7in
200.6in
Width (in)
76.6in
77.6in
Height (in)
58.6in
59.7in
Wheelbase (in)
123.2in
118.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4773lbs
5530lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A8
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
A8
Value
A8
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A8
Lower starting price ($92,000)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW M5
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A8 or M5?
The A8 gets 23 mpg est. and the M5 gets 13 MPG Combined / 25 Range on the combined cycle. The A8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A8 or M5?
The A8 produces 335hp @ 5000 and 369lb-ft @ 1370 of torque while the M5 delivers 717hp @ 5600 and 738lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. The M5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A8 and M5?
The A8 starts from $92,000 and the M5 from $121,500. The A8 is cheaper by $29,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A8 or the M5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.
Also Consider