Audi A8 vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| AudiA8 | Mercedes-BenzV-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | November 2017 | May 2014 |
| Performance | ||
| Powertrain | Mild hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | Diesel |
| Power | 282–563 bhp (better) | 161–233 bhp |
| 0–62 mph | 3.8–5.9 s (better) | 7.9–11.3 s |
| Top speed | 155 mph | – |
| Engine or motors | 3.0-litre V6 TDI (286 PS), 3.0-litre V6 TFSI plug-in hybrid with a 100 kW electric motor (462 PS system output), 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 TFSI (571 PS, S8); the TDI and S8 have 48-volt mild hybrid technology; bhp converted from Audi's PS figures | 1,950 cc four-cylinder diesel, 120 kW (163 PS) in the V 220 d or 174 kW (237 PS) in the V 300 d; bhp converted from Mercedes' kW figures |
| Torque | 600 Nm (50 TDI), 700 Nm system (60 TFSI e), 800 Nm (S8) | 380 Nm (V 220 d), 500 Nm (V 300 d) |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic | 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic |
| Drive | quattro four-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Range and charging | ||
| Zero-emission range (WLTP) | 36 miles | – |
| Battery | 14.4 kWh | – |
| Economy (WLTP) | 24.5–63 mpg (better) | 38.2–39.3 mpg |
| Range detail | 60 TFSI e WLTP electric range: 33–36 miles combined (A8), 32–36 miles (A8 L), depending on trim | – |
| Charging | 60 TFSI e has a 14.4 kWh net (17.9 kWh gross) battery; AC charging, 150 minutes to full | – |
| Efficiency | WLTP combined: 37.3–40.3 mpg (50 TDI), 36.9–40.1 mpg (A8 L 50 TDI), 55.9–63.0 mpg weighted (60 TFSI e), 24.4–24.6 mpg (S8); depends on trim. Audi UK lists 134.5–156.9 mpg for the A8 L TFSI e on a separate battery and powertrain page, but its current configurator has no selectable car. | WLTP combined: 39.3 mpg (V 220 d Long), 38.7 mpg (V 220 d Extra Long), 38.2 mpg (V 300 d) |
| CO2 emissions | 183–200 g/km (50 TDI), 102–115 g/km (60 TFSI e), 260–263 g/km (S8), WLTP combined | 188–194 g/km |
| Practicality | ||
| Body | Saloon | MPV |
| Seats | 5 | 7 (better) |
| Length | 5,190 mm | 5,140 mm |
| Width | 1,945 mm | 1,928 mm |
| Weight | From 2,020 kg | – |
| Boot | 505 litres on 50 TDI and S8; 390 litres on 60 TFSI e | Maximum load space 4,630 litres (Long) or 5,010 litres (Extra Long); seats-up figure not published on Mercedes UK's technical data |
| Towing | 2,300 kg braked (50 TDI and S8) | 750 kg unbraked; up to 2,500 kg braked with the Trailer Coupling package (code Q50) |
| Size | 5,190 mm long, 1,945 mm wide, 1,473 mm high (A8 50 TDI); A8 L is 5,320 mm long and 1,488 mm high, with a 3,128 mm wheelbase; unladen weight is 2,020 kg (A8 50 TDI, Audi UK) to 2,340 kg (A8 L 60 TFSI e, Audi German technical sheet) | 5,140 mm (Long) or 5,370 mm (Extra Long) long, 1,928 mm wide without mirrors (2,249 mm with), 1,901 mm high; 11.8 m turning circle; 70-litre fuel tank; seven- and eight-seat versions listed in the UK price list |
