A8 vs i7
The A8 and the i7 are direct rivals in the midsize luxury car class, one from Audi and one from BMW. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance i7 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Engine & Performance6.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The i7 has 114 hp more power
Here the i7 pulls well ahead of the A8, with 449 hp compared to 335 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The i7 has 110 lb-ft more torque
The i7 doesn’t just edge this one; 479 lb-ft against 369 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
i7 leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the i7. The i7 has the edge with 114 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the i7 is the stronger car.
Total system output
A8: 335 hp i7: 449 hp The i7’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
A8: 369 lb-ft i7: 479 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the A8 and the i7 barely differ. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the A8 and the i7 differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A8 | i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 449 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A8 | i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 314 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A8 | i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A8 | i7 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A8 | i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the i7 if…
- you want more power (449 hp vs 335 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (479 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other BMW products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A8 or the i7?
On the specs compared here, the i7 makes more sense for most buyers; the A8 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Comparing the A8 and the i7 feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. Here’s what matters most to me: the i7 offers 114 hp more power.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the A8, engine & performance leads to the i7.
My pick: the i7.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.