At a Glance
Power
563hp @ 6000
473hp @ 6250
Torque
590lb-ft @ 2500
406lb-ft @ 2650
Fuel
20 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi A8 and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A8 delivers 563hp @ 6000 while the BMW M3 produces 473hp @ 6250. On fuel, the A8 returns 20 mpg est. while the M3 uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $130,000 for the A8 and $76,000 for the M3. 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
473hp @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft)
590lb-ft @ 2500
406lb-ft @ 2650
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
16mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
23mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
209in
189.1in
Width (in)
76.6in
74.3in
Height (in)
58.6in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
123.2in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5126lbs
3840lbs
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
—
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
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A8
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
M3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A8
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price ($76,000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A8 or M3?
The A8 gets 20 mpg est. and the M3 gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The M3 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 M3?
The A8 produces 563hp @ 6000 and 590lb-ft @ 2500 of torque while the M3 delivers 473hp @ 6250 and 406lb-ft @ 2650 of torque. The A8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A8 and M3?
The A8 starts from $130,000 and the M3 from $76,000. The M3 is cheaper by $54,000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A8 or the M3?
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