VS
At a Glance
Power
420 kW
535 kW
Torque
800 Nm
1000 Nm
Fuel
10.5 l/100km
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 w
Towing
2300 Kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
3.6 s
Engine
3996 cc
4395 cc
Choosing between the Audi S8 and the BMW M5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S8 delivers 420 kW while the BMW M5 produces 535 kW. On fuel, the S8 returns 10.5 l/100km while the M5 uses 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 when discharged / 3.2 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 973 900 for the S8 and R2 812 000 for the M5. 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
420 kW
535 kW
Torque
800 Nm
1000 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
3.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
305 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
4395 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5 l/100km
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 w
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
60 litre + 18.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
245 g/km
46 when hybrid battery charged / 72 comb
Dimensions
Length
5190 mm
5096 mm
Width
1945-2130 mm
1970-2156 mm
Height
1475 mm
1516 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3006 mm
Ground Clearance
—
118 mm
Kerb Weight
2230 Kg
2475 DIN / 2550 EU Kg
Doors
4
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
505 l
500-1630 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2300 Kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
575 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
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
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batter
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
M5
Value
M5
Practicality
S8
Pros & Cons
Audi S8
Higher towing capacity (2300 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (420 kW vs 535 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW M5
More powerful engine (535 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 when discharged / 3.2 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 812 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S8 or M5?
The S8 uses 10.5 l/100km and the M5 uses 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 when discharged / 3.2 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The M5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S8 or M5?
The S8 produces 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the M5 delivers 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque. The M5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S8 and M5?
The S8 starts from R2 973 900 and the M5 from R2 812 000. The M5 is cheaper by R161 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S8 or M5?
The S8 has a braked towing capacity of 2300 Kg and the M5 can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S8 or the M5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - 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.