VS
At a Glance
Power
563hp @ 6000
496hp @ 5500
Torque
590lb-ft @ 2500
516lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
4.0 L/243ci
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 563hp @ 6000 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 496hp @ 5500. On fuel, the A8 returns 20 mpg est. while the S-Class uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $130,000 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 A8quattro *Ltd Avail* 2026 - From $130,000
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 580 4MATIC Sedan 2026 - From $119,550
Performance
Power Output (hp)
563hp @ 6000
496hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
590lb-ft @ 2500
516lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
4.0 L/243ci
Cylinders
8
8
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.)
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
17mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
20gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
209in
209.5in
Width (in)
76.6in
76.9in
Height (in)
58.6in
59.2in
Wheelbase (in)
123.2in
126.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5126lbs
4795lbs
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
A8
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
S-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A8
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($119,550)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A8 or S-Class?
The A8 gets 20 mpg est. and the S-Class gets 22 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 563hp @ 6000 and 590lb-ft @ 2500 of torque while the S-Class delivers 496hp @ 5500 and 516lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The A8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A8 and S-Class?
The A8 starts from $130,000 and the S-Class from $119,550. The S-Class is cheaper by $10,450 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