Audi S8 vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi S8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi S8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
In comparing the Audi S8's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Audi S8 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Audi S8's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a better car than the Audi S8.
Pricing: For a new model, the Audi S8's price is between $128,044 and $152,716, with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class priced between $131,842 and $252,170.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi S8 loses 58.7 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz S-Class retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi S8.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi S8 is 7.5 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class' quality rating is 7.5 out of 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi S8 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi S8.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi S8’s base engine makes 563 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class base engine makes 442 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are large cars, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Audi S8 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
128044 - 152716
Starting MSRP:
123400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
103524
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
72000 - 139000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
131842 - 252170
Starting MSRP:
117300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
103524
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
72000 - 139000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
117939
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
86308 - 151025
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
6
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11856
# Good or Great Deals:
1
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
151025
Price Range:
119690 - 225851
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
117939
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
86308 - 151025
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
164
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5060
# Good or Great Deals:
40
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
73107
Depreciation %:
0.59244218
Resale Value $:
50293
Residual Value %:
0.40755781999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.55561978
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.46231355 - 0.65484912
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
67502
Depreciation %:
0.57546735
Resale Value $:
49798
Residual Value %:
0.42453264999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.55561978
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.46231355 - 0.65484912
Audi S8 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.453994 / 10
Reliability:
8.067542 / 10
Retained Value:
6.840446 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.546945 / 10
Reliability:
8.140856 / 10
Retained Value:
6.953034 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi S8
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
10.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
7.7 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.001
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
10.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
7.7 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.014
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0686538563968684
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.8 - 30.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.455219694616516
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.8 - 30.6
Audi S8 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
14 out of / 17Mercedes-Benz S-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 17Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 17Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Audi S8 Trim Levels
4.0T quattro
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trim Levels
Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
563 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
590 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.110 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
442 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
413 foot-lbs @ 2200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.093 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 24 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
326 / 521 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Cargo Space:
12.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
112.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5126 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
58.6 inches
Length:
209.5 inches
Wheelbase:
123.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4740 lbs
Width:
83 inches
Height:
59.2 inches
Length:
208.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/40R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Firmament Blue Metallic / Sebring Black Crystal Effect / Ultra Blue Metallic
Gray
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Green
District Green Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic
Gold
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / MANUFAKTUR Night Black Magno / Obsidian Black Metallic / Onyx Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR China Blue / MANUFAKTUR Mystic Blue Metallic / Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Green
Emerald Green Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno / MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
Gold
MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Magno / MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Metallic
Red
Rubellite Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Cognac Brown
Red
Merlot Red
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Nut Brown/Black / Sienna Brown/Black / Truffle Brown/Black
Red
Carmine Red/Black
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey
Blue
Yacht Blue/Black
Silver
Silver Grey/Black
White
Deep White/Black
Yellow
Pastel Yellow/Black
