VS
At a Glance
Power
420 kW
463kW@4800
Torque
800 Nm
1000Nm@2300
Fuel
10.5 l/100km
14.3
Towing
2300 Kg
2035
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.4
Engine
3996 cc
5980
Choosing between the Audi S8 and the MERCEDES S-CLASS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S8 delivers 420 kW while the MERCEDES S-CLASS produces 463kW@4800. On fuel, the S8 returns 10.5 l/100km while the S-CLASS uses 14.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 973 900 for the S8 and R2 432 000 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.
Performance
Power Output
420 kW
463kW@4800
Torque
800 Nm
1000Nm@2300
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.4
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
5980
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
8
12
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5 l/100km
14.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
21.8
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.9
Fuel Tank Capacity
72 l
90
CO2 Emissions
245 g/km
334
Dimensions
Length
5190 mm
5252
Width
1945-2130 mm
1871-2120
Height
1475 mm
1478
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3165
Ground Clearance
—
150
Kerb Weight
2230 Kg
2270
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
505 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2300 Kg
2035
Load Capacity
—
550
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
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
SPEEDTRONIC
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S8
Fuel Economy
S8
Value
S-CLASS
Practicality
S8
Pros & Cons
Audi S8
Better fuel economy (10.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2300 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
MERCEDES S-CLASS
Lower starting price (R2 432 000)
Higher fuel consumption (14.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S8 or S-CLASS?
The S8 uses 10.5 l/100km and the S-CLASS uses 14.3 on the combined cycle. The S8 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 S-CLASS?
The S8 produces 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the S-CLASS delivers 463kW@4800 and 1000Nm@2300 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the S8 and S-CLASS?
The S8 starts from R2 973 900 and the S-CLASS from R2 432 000. The S-CLASS is cheaper by R541 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S8 or S-CLASS?
The S8 has a braked towing capacity of 2300 Kg and the S-CLASS can tow 2035. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S8 or the S-CLASS?
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.