VS
At a Glance
Power
563hp @ 6000
523hp @ 5500
Torque
590lb-ft @ 2500
553lb-ft @ 1800
Engine
4.0 L/244cc
4.4 L/268cc
Choosing between the Audi A8 and the BMW 8 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A8 delivers 563hp @ 6000 while the BMW 8 Series produces 523hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $130,000 for the A8 and $94,500 for the 8 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 (hp)
563hp @ 6000
523hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
590lb-ft @ 2500
553lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244cc
4.4 L/268cc
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
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 - City (mpg)
15mpg
17mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
209in
200.3in
Width (in)
76.6in
76.1in
Height (in)
58.6in
55.4in
Wheelbase (in)
123.2in
119in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5126lbs
4758lbs
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
BMW 8 Series
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
8 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A8
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
BMW 8 Series
Lower starting price ($94,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the A8 or 8 Series?
The A8 produces 563hp @ 6000 and 590lb-ft @ 2500 of torque while the 8 Series delivers 523hp @ 5500 and 553lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A8 and 8 Series?
The A8 starts from $130,000 and the 8 Series from $94,500. The 8 Series is cheaper by $35,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A8 or the 8 Series?
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