Audi RS e-tron GT vs BMW M8 Competition
Compare the Audi RS e-tron GT vs BMW M8 Competition. The Audi RS e-tron GT is £10,000 cheaper. The BMW M8 Competition is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Audi RS e-tron GT is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Audi RS e-tron GT is priced from £125,000, powered by a Dual Electric Motors, producing 637 hp, with 830 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 155 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive. The BMW M8 Competition is priced from £135,000, powered by a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 617 hp, with 750 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3s, a top speed of 190 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Audi RS e-tron GT offers a 405-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on electric, returns around 76 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty. The BMW M8 Competition offers a 420-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Audi RS e-tron GT is £10,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS e-tron GT costs less in annual maintenance (£1,000 versus £1,500), the Audi RS e-tron GT is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £15 for the Audi RS e-tron GT and £85 for the BMW M8 Competition.
Driving Character: Audi RS e-tron GT vs BMW M8 Competition
The RS e-tron GT leverages 637 hp and instant electric torque to deliver breathtaking acceleration, pinning occupants to their seats with brutal efficiency. The low centre of gravity provided by the battery pack ensures the car remains impressively flat through corners, though the sheer weight of 5139 lbs is occasionally felt in tighter, technical transitions. It lacks the raw, emotive soundtrack of a combustion-engined rival, but compensates with a refined, futuristic chassis that makes covering ground effortless. The two-speed rear gearbox provides a unique mechanical feel, bridging the gap between electric immediacy and high-speed stability.
The BMW M8 Competition defines the modern grand tourer, blending brutal 617hp twin-turbocharged V8 performance with a sophisticated M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. While it possesses the pace to dismantle almost any supercar, its 4,395lb mass remains a constant consideration, particularly through tighter, technical sequences where it lacks the nimble precision of a lighter M4. The adjustable rear-biased drivetrain allows for playful rotation, yet the chassis is primarily tuned for crushing vast distances with absolute composure. It is a formidable machine that prioritises stability and immense, exploitable torque over raw, stripped-back track feedback, representing the ultimate high-speed cruiser in the current M portfolio.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 78 against 78. Characteristic of the Audi RS e-tron GT: Immense, silent electric acceleration with quattro-assured composure. For the BMW M8 Competition: Effortless, high-speed GT pace with genuine back-road ability. In outright terms it is 637 hp against 617 — a 20 hp gap — and the BMW M8 Competition reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Audi RS e-tron GT vs BMW M8 Competition
The interior is a high-tech sanctuary, dominated by a driver-focused dashboard and the crisp Audi Virtual Cockpit. Sustainable materials are used throughout, reflecting a modern approach to luxury without compromising on build quality or feel. The digital interfaces are intuitive, though the reliance on touch-sensitive controls for certain functions can be less tactile than physical buttons while on the move. Space is ample for four adults, and the dual-screen setup creates a sophisticated, connected environment that feels perfectly suited for a high-performance electric tourer. It is a cabin that successfully blends traditional Audi craftsmanship with progressive, forward-thinking technology.
Stepping into the M8 Competition reveals a cabin dripping in premium Merino leather and intricate carbon fibre detailing, confirming its status as a pinnacle M product. The ergonomics are quintessential BMW, featuring an intuitive, M-specific digital interface that provides all critical telemetry without overwhelming the driver. While the materials and build quality are exemplary, the two-door layout compromises access, and the rear quarters remain strictly occasional seats despite the car's generous overall proportions. It strikes a successful balance between a focused, driver-centric cockpit and the luxurious, refined ambiance expected of a high-end grand tourer, successfully isolating occupants from the road's harsher realities.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 86 against 86. Characteristic of the Audi RS e-tron GT: Premium, minimalist cabin with excellent tech integration. For the BMW M8 Competition: Luxurious, driver-focused cabin with excellent build quality.
Daily Usability: Audi RS e-tron GT vs BMW M8 Competition
Practicality is a strong suit for the RS e-tron GT, offering a 405L boot plus additional storage in the front trunk, making it an excellent daily prospect. The ride is firm in Dynamic mode but remains composed enough for long-distance cruising, absorbing motorway imperfections with ease. Charging is a simple affair, with fast-charging capabilities allowing for 80% replenishment in just over twenty minutes, significantly increasing the vehicle's real-world usability. It is a highly capable machine for routine errands and long-distance touring, provided the driver is aware of the low stance and the necessity of managing battery capacity on longer jaunts.
Despite its status as a performance powerhouse, the M8 Competition remains surprisingly liveable for daily duties. The 440-litre boot provides sufficient volume for weekend escapes, though the long doors and low seating position can hinder easy egress in tight urban car parks. Comfort mode successfully softens the adaptive suspension, making motorway slogs relatively effortless, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures the car remains secure in varied UK weather conditions. Its sheer width, however, requires constant vigilance in narrow city streets, as the low-profile rubber and stiff structural setup demand care when traversing speed bumps or uneven urban asphalt.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 80 against 70. Characteristic of the Audi RS e-tron GT: Comfortable, quiet, effortless daily EV with real usability. For the BMW M8 Competition: Comfortable, capable long-distance GT for daily use. that means 405 litres of boot space against 420, plus a usable front boot in the Audi RS e-tron GT, and everyday running costs that favour the Audi RS e-tron GT at the pumps.
Ownership: Audi RS e-tron GT vs BMW M8 Competition
Ownership of this EV is relatively straightforward, as the simplicity of the electric drivetrain results in lower annual maintenance costs than its internal combustion rivals. The four-year, 50k mile warranty provides a solid foundation for peace of mind, though long-term battery health remains a key consideration for high-mileage users. The RS e-tron GT benefits from the extensive Audi dealer and charging network, making it one of the most accessible high-performance EVs on the market. While residual values for luxury EVs remain volatile, the model’s performance and build quality help maintain a solid market position among modern, tech-focused buyers.
Ownership of an M8 Competition is an exercise in managing significant operating costs, commensurate with its supercar-killing performance. The BMW dealer network offers comprehensive support, but prospective buyers should factor in the substantial expenses associated with premium tyres and high-performance brake components, which wear rapidly under enthusiastic use. While residuals have stabilised, the market for such a specific, high-output V8 GT remains relatively narrow. Annual maintenance costs are predictably high, though the car benefits from a robust community and global parts availability, ensuring that the heavy financial commitment yields a reliably formidable and well-documented performance machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 82 against 72. Characteristic of the Audi RS e-tron GT: Low running costs typical of an EV, strong warranty coverage. For the BMW M8 Competition: Backed by strong BMW reliability reputation. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £135,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,000 against £1,500, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.