A8 vs G80
The A8 and the G80 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Think of it as a split decision: the A8 takes engine & performance, the G80 takes fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A8 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range G80 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range1.3
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.6
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
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The A8 has 58 lb-ft more torque
The G80 lists 311 lb-ft; the A8 comes in at 369 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The A8 has 35 hp more power
The A8 nudges ahead with 335 hp, while the G80 lists 300 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The G80 has better fuel economy
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the G80 leads with 24 mpg to 22 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The G80 has better highway fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 29 mpg on the G80, 26 mpg on the A8. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 118.5 in |
Engine & Performance
A8 leads
No contest in engine & performance: the A8 is the stronger of the two. The A8 pulls ahead with 58 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the A8 is the safer choice.
Torque
A8: 369 lb-ft G80: 311 lb-ft The A8’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
A8: 335 hp G80: 300 hp The A8’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
G80 leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the G80 leads, and not by a little. The G80 steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the G80 is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
A8: 22 mpg G80: 24 mpg The G80 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
A8: 26 mpg G80: 29 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the A8 and the G80 each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 300 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 13.1 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A8 | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 118.5 in |
“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 A8 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (369 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 300 hp)
- you already know your way around Audi’s products
Choose the G80 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (24 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you trust Genesis and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A8 or the G80?
There’s no single right answer. The A8 leads on engine & performance and the G80 on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Audi’s A8 versus Genesis’s G80. What tips it for me is that the A8 has 58 lb-ft more torque. To be fair, the G80 has better fuel economy, and that’s not nothing.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or fuel economy & range? The first answer means the A8, the second means the G80.
My pick: the A8 for engine & performance, the G80 for fuel economy & range, and no wrong answer between them.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.