2017 Audi A8 vs. Its Competition

2017 Audi S8 Plus
Aaron Cole Aaron Cole Managing Editor

The Audi S8 competes against the best versions of full-size sedans.

The high-powered Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is flashier and newer, but also prodigiously more expensive.

We like the BMW 7-Series, but haven't yet driven the apples-to-apples competitor, which is the Alpina B7.

We'll update this story when we do.

The Jaguar XJR is loud, shouting, and a lot of fun, but is rear-drive only and struggles to put its power down.

The Lexus LS 460 is the outlier here, and competes with the S8 in terms of comfort—but not much else.

2017 Audi S8 Plus2017 Audi A8
Browse Used Listings		2016 BMW 7-Series with M Sport Package2016 BMW 7-Series
Browse Used Listings		2016 Jaguar XJR2016 Jaguar XJ
Browse Used Listings		2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e Plug-In Hybrid2016 Mercedes-Benz S Class
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.0
The 2017 Audi S8 is the super sedan by which others are measured.
9.2
Don’t let the conservative wrapper fool you, the 2016 BMW 7-Series charges boldly into a new generation as a sporty big sedan, with new ride-and-handling tech, space-age construction, and a plug-in hybrid version.
8.6
The 2016 Jaguar XJ balances extravagant looks with dazzling big-car performance.
9.2
Coupe, Cabriolet, and Maybach versions—and even a Plug-In Hybrid—make the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class far more diverse and adventurous than it used to be; it's now not just a flagship sedan, but a family of flagships.
MSRP From   
$82,500$81,300$74,400$95,650
Gas Mileage   
15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
EPA Class   
Large CarsLarge CarsLarge CarsLarge Cars
Style Name   
3.0 TFSI4-Door Sedan 740i RWD4-Door Sedan R-Sport RWD4-Door Sedan S 550 RWD
Drivetrain   
All Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
5555
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
quattro LWB SedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission   
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2017 Audi A8 vs. 2016 BMW 7-Series2017 Audi A8 vs. 2016 Jaguar XJ2017 Audi A8 vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz S Class