Audi S8 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
What's the difference?

Audi S8

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2021 price

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Mercedes-Benz EQS

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2023 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2021 Audi S8

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

By Peter Anderson

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

10.2L/100km (combined)

Electric range

587 km

Energy consumption

23.0 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

107.80 kWh

Seating

Likes

Technical extravaganza
Elegant looks
Punchy V8

Tech extravaganza
Astounding performance
Superb range and fast charging

Dislikes

Tricky to find a space big enough
Pricey
Short warranty

Interior might be too much for some
Controversial styling
Rear seats could be more luxe

2021 Audi S8 Summary

Big sedans are not in vogue at the moment and huge luxury sedans were on the way down before the humble Commodore and Falcon departed the upper end of the sales charts. The Germans, who have always done a spectacular job of these flagship sedans, cheerfully persist with these cars.

Absolutely loaded with fascinating technology that bleeds its way down to the more mainstream models, they represent the zenith of the brand's innovation and style. The A8 is certainly that.

What it isn't, is particularly sporty, but after two years since its launch, V8 power has reached the fourth-generation super-sedan to deliver the latest iteration of the iconic S8.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Summary

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a car faced with multiple momentous responsibilities.

Not only is it the latest purely electric offering from Mercedes-Benz, but it also has to represent the future of the historic S-Class limousine, and in the AMG-spiced 53 trim we’re reviewing, it has to represent the future of the brand’s driving experience, too.

So can this oddly-shaped EV really take it all on and succeed? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Audi S8 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Verdict

The S8's existence is a source of joy for me because it's not a huge SUV. Yes, it's a huge sedan but it's a reminder that the technological flagship is alive and well, at least in Germany. And the important thing about these cars is the way the toys filter down through the rest of the range. That used to take years but we're seeing this cool stuff a lot more quickly, right down to the A1.

The S8 punches, and punches hard in this rarefied part of an already shrunken section of the market - the twin-turbo V8 matches its German rivals, it's lighter and it's as well-stacked as any of the three. What it doesn't do, however, is shout about itself the way the other two do. It's the incognito choice.

Verdict

It’s unquestionably fast, certainly luxurious, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think the EQS is going to be for everyone. The styling will be challenging for some and the glittery interior tech offering might be a bit much, even for the more rusted-on Benz traditionalists.

Then again, shouldn't an electrified flagship be all about challenging the status quo, trying new ideas, and bringing new fans to the brand? If anything, I think that might be what the EQS does best.

Audi S8 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi S8 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
What's the difference?