BMW 8 Series vs Audi A5
The Audi A5 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Audi A5 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 8 Series | Audi A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg | 26 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 30 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,050 | $2,550 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 347 g/mi | 300 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI | SIDI;, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2019–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 64 | 40 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
8 Series vs A5: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 8 Series or the Audi A5?
The Audi A5 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Audi A5 runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,050 for the BMW 8 Series — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the 8 Series and A5 offer?
BMW 8 Series: SIDI. Audi A5: SIDI;, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 8 Series and the Audi A5 as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More 8 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-8-series-vs-audi-a5