VS
At a Glance
Power
335hp @ 5000
442hp
Torque
369lb-ft @ 1370
413lb-ft
Fuel
23 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A8 delivers 335hp @ 5000 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 442hp. On fuel, the A8 returns 23 mpg est. while the S-Class uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $92,000 for the A8 and $119,550 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.
Specification
Audi A8L 55 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $92,000
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 500 4MATIC Sedan 2026 - From $119,550
Performance
Power Output (hp)
335hp @ 5000
442hp
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 1370
413lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
V
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
20gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
208.7in
209.5in
Width (in)
76.6in
76.9in
Height (in)
58.6in
59.2in
Wheelbase (in)
123.2in
126.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4773lbs
4696lbs
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
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
A8
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A8
Lower starting price ($92,000)
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A8 or S-Class?
The A8 gets 23 mpg est. and the S-Class gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The S-Class 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 S-Class?
The A8 produces 335hp @ 5000 and 369lb-ft @ 1370 of torque while the S-Class delivers 442hp and 413lb-ft of torque. The S-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A8 and S-Class?
The A8 starts from $92,000 and the S-Class from $119,550. The A8 is cheaper by $27,550 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A8 or the S-Class?
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