DecodedCarsAudi A8 vs Porsche Panamera
2026 Audi A8 vs 2026 Porsche Panamera — two large cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi A8 is more fuel-efficient: 22 vs 21 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $150 a year less in fuel for the Audi A8 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Audi A8 is the bigger car, about 10 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi A8 has had fewer recall campaigns (21 vs 22).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi A8 is a large car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 209 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 123-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb.
The 2026 Porsche Panamera is a large car offered with a 2.9L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4 / 4s 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 A8 and the 2022 Panamera have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2021 A8 and the 2018 Panamera.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi A8 if…
- You want more room (10 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Porsche Panamera if…
- You want something easier to park (10 in shorter)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi A8
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 15% below the 2026 large car average of 25.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Porsche Panamera
- AWD / 4WD available
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 19% below the 2026 large car average of 25.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi A8 specs →Full 2026 Porsche Panamera specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →