Audi R8 vs BMW i8
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 BMW i8
Overview
| Spec | Audi R8performance | BMW i8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | performance | Base |
| Body style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Model year | 2023 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi R8performance | BMW i8Base |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $158,600 | $147,500 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $67,598 (best) | $96,890 |
| Median listing price | $67,598 (best) | $96,890 |
| Highest listing price | $67,598 (best) | $96,890 |
| For sale now | 1 | 1 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi R8performance | BMW i8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 14 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 23 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Combined MPGe | — | 69 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | — | 18 mi (best) |
| 240V charge time | — | 3 hr (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 11.1 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Audi R8performance | BMW i8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 562 hp (best) | 369 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 5.2 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | V10 | I3 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi R8performance | BMW i8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 4 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 8 cu ft (best) | 4.7 cu ft |
| Payload | 551 lbs | 620 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,571 lbs | 3,501 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 4.6 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 110.2 in (best) |
| Length | 174.4 in | 184.9 in (best) |
| Width | 76.4 in | 76.5 in (best) |
| Height | 48.7 in | 50.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi R8performance | BMW i8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi R8 | BMW i8 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | performance $158,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $147,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | performance Spyder $171,000 MSRP | Base $163,300 MSRP |
| 3 | performance Spyder $222,100 MSRP | — |
| 4 | performance $209,700 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Audi R8 vs BMW i8 FAQ
- Which is better: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2023 Audi R8 vs 2020 BMW i8 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 BMW i8 starts lower at $147,500. Live Audi R8 listings start at $67,598. Live BMW i8 listings start at $96,890.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- The 2020 BMW i8 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (147,500).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- The 2020 BMW i8 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- The 2020 BMW i8 leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (18).
- Which has better horsepower: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- The 2023 Audi R8 leads on horsepower in this comparison (602).
- Which has better seats: 2023 Audi R8 or 2020 BMW i8?
- The 2020 BMW i8 leads on seats in this comparison (4).

