A8 vs EQS
Two brands, one target. The A8 from Audi and the EQS from Mercedes-Benz compete head to head for midsize luxury car shoppers. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance EQS wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Engine & Performance4.4
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 EQS has 20 hp more power
The difference is minor (355 hp against 335 hp), but if you’re splitting hairs, the EQS wins it. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The EQS has 50 lb-ft more torque
The A8 comes close with 369 lb-ft; the EQS does slightly better with 419 lb-ft. The EQS’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
EQS leads
The A8 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the EQS pulls well ahead. Point to the EQS for 20 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Prioritize engine & performance, and the EQS is where you should land.
Total system output
A8: 335 hp EQS: 355 hp The EQS’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
A8: 369 lb-ft EQS: 419 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the A8 and the EQS list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A8 | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 355 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 419 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A8 | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 390 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A8 | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A8 | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A8 | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 EQS if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (355 hp vs 335 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (419 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Mercedes-Benz
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A8 or the EQS?
On the specs compared here, the EQS makes more sense for most buyers; the A8 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The A8 and the EQS are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. To me, the standout is that the EQS offers 20 hp more power.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the A8 fits better. For engine & performance, the EQS is the better match.
My pick: the EQS.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.