8 Series vs AMG GT
BMW versus Mercedes-Benz: the 8 Series and the AMG GT go after the same sports car buyer. Neither wins across the board. The 8 Series makes its case with fuel economy & range; the AMG GT makes its case with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance AMG GT wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 8 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- Engine & Performance4.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
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
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The AMG GT has 81 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The AMG GT lists 416 hp for total system output, while the 8 Series lists 335 hp. The AMG GT’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The 8 Series has better fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 24 mpg for the 8 Series, 22 mpg for the AMG GT. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 8 Series has better city fuel economy
On paper, the 8 Series is a touch ahead here, listing 21 mpg against 19 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 8 Series starts from a better baseline.
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The 8 Series has better highway fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the 8 Series: 29 mpg compared with 27 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
AMG GT leads
In this area the AMG GT has a lead the 8 Series can’t close. Here the AMG GT offers 81 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Prioritize engine & performance, and the AMG GT is where you should land.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp AMG GT: 416 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
8 Series leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the 8 Series leads, and not by a little. The 8 Series wins here with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the 8 Series comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg AMG GT: 22 mpg The 8 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
8 Series: 21 mpg AMG GT: 19 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 416 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic (AMG MCT) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD (4MATIC+ AWD on V8 models) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 8 Series | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 Series | AMG GT |
|---|---|---|
| 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 8 Series if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (21 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 27 mpg on the highway)
Choose the AMG GT if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (416 hp vs 335 hp)
- you already use other Mercedes-Benz products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 8 Series or the AMG GT?
The 8 Series and the AMG GT split the comparison (fuel economy & range for the 8 Series, engine & performance for the AMG GT), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the 8 Series from BMW and the AMG GT from Mercedes-Benz. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is better fuel economy, and that goes to the 8 Series. On top of that, the 8 Series adds better highway fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 81 hp more power, the AMG GT deserves a look.
I think of the 8 Series as the one for fuel economy & range and the AMG GT as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the 8 Series for fuel economy & range, the AMG GT for engine & performance, and no wrong answer between them.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.