Audi

S8

Boasting explosive power and dynamic handling, the Audi S8 line-up takes executive driving to a whole new level. Packed to bursting with technology, it offers extreme comfort too.

Test Drive

Audi S8 TFSI quattro 571PS tiptronic (2021)

IF the Audi A8 seems a tad too conservative and the R8 is simply too extravagant, then the S8 could be the perfect compromise – if you have a Lotto win stashed away somewhere that is.

That’s because this dynamic four-door saloon, recently launched in its fourth generation guise, provides all the luxurious comfort expected from a limousine-styled vehicle mixed with the added benefit of blisteringly quick driving dynamics.

We tested the entry-level S8 costing £97,140 (£101,405 with options) and powered by a revised V8 twin-turbo 4.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology. It also featured the introduction of a mild hybrid system for the first time that adds a 48-volt motor to the mix.

With 571PS of power and 800Nm of torque, it can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just 3.8 seconds and has a maximum speed that is electronically-limited to 155mph. There is a newly recalibrated eight-speed automatic gearbox too, along with steering wheel-mounted paddles for extra driver fun.

Those sort of performance figures do have a slight downside when it comes to running costs though as the S8 delivers a combined 24.4mpg with carbon emissions of 263g/km.

When approached from any angle, the S8 is definitely an attention grabber with its beautiful streamlining, soft-close doors, smart alloy wheels, distinctive grille, HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser lights, along with Audi high beam for superb night time driving, and folding mirrors can be heated and feature a kerb side function for the passenger side so alloys don’t get scuffed when parking.

The generously-equipped interior oozes class with premium red Valcona leather upholstered seats that are power-operated, a pitch perfect 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, Audi Music Interface with Audi Connect that comes with a three-year subscription to Amazon Alexa, Audi Phone Box with wireless charging and a smartphone interface with Audi safety connect and e-call for emergencies.

There is a 10.1-inch high-resolution display screen with sharp graphics where features such as the navigation are accessed. And there is a separate 8.6-inch screen for all the climate control functions plus the Audi Virtual Cockpit display behind the steering wheel that can be personalised to taste.

When it comes to performance, the S8 is a car that hits 70mph on motorways in the blink of an eye and cruises effortlessly for miles on end. Yet, despite its somewhat large dimensions, stretching 5.17 metres in length and weighing in at just over two tonnes, the vehicle is beautifully balanced and agile out on the faster country lanes.

There are drive modes called Efficiency, Auto, Dynamic, Comfort+ and Individual that are altered via the drive select control, and these result in adjustments to the suspension, steering assistance, engine and transmission management. In addition, the Dynamic All-Wheel Steering provides direct feedback with improved stability at higher speeds.

With its quattro all-wheel drive system, the S8 is well grounded and the ride quality is excellent too thanks to the car’s Predictive Active Suspension system that automatically adapts to bumps and dips along the way.

Although there is no long wheel-base S8 model, there is ample space in the back of the car for a trio of adults to sit comfortably. The boot can swallow 505 litres of luggage, but as the rear seats don’t fold forward at all, there is no way to increase the storage capacity.

However, there are a number of handy storage compartments scattered throughout the car, including a lockable and cooled glovebox, front cup holders along with another two in the fold-down rear central armrest, practical door bins, a deep central cubby box and seat back pockets.

Despite the S8 being a large car to park, there is a Park Assist and Parking Aid Plus system that forms part of the standard driver assist systems to help squeeze into tight spaces.

And, as one would expect, the list of safety features on this car is comprehensive too with the likes of adaptive cruise assist with stop & go plus speed limiter, a head-up display, camera-based traffic sign recognition, 360-degree wide angle cameras, HD Matrix LED headlights, all-wheel drive with sport differential, tyre pressure monitoring and a full suite of airbags.

An optional extra on our car was the City Assistance pack, that added £1,375 to the price-tag, and that introduced a number of safety systems such as Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense rear, Audi pre sense side, intersection assist, lane change warning, exit warning and cross traffic assist rear.

All in all, the Audi S8 is a fabulous piece of kit. It looks stunning, drives beautifully and is practical and comfortable along the way. Expensive to run? Yes. But worth it if you have the pennies.

Test Drive

Audi S8 plus 4.0 TFSI quattro 605PS tiptronic

Anyone twiddling their thumbs or kicking their heels waiting for the next Audi A8 series to roll off the production line in 2017 might want to check out the all-new S8 plus.

It has one of the highest power-to-weight ratios in class thanks to its mighty 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine delivering a whopping 605PS and that in the real world translates into some exhilarating performance stats. Despite its saloon-like appearance, the S8 plus is the complete muscle car with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.8 seconds and top speed of 155mph or 189mph depending on whether or not the dynamic pack is selected. And even the 189mph top speed has been restricted – that gives some indication of the power this car offers.

The S8 plus looks drop dead gorgeous from any approach with its sleek, athletic streamlining, 21-inch 5-double spoke titanium finish alloy wheels, four oval chrome tailpipes, carbon fibre front lip spoiler, side flaps and rear diffuser. Then, Audi Matrix LED headlights with front and rear sweeping indicators, darkened privacy glass, ‘S8’ badging, and a distinctive grille housing the Audi rings complete the stunning styling package.

Move inside and the premium feel to the cabin cannot be ignored with the finest leather and materials utilised to create a truly sophisticated and elegant environment for the driver and passengers alike. There is technology to be explored at every turn, including the likes of comfort sports seats in Valcona leather with heating, memory function and lumbar support, a Bose surround sound system, a 3-spoke ‘S’ multi-function steering wheel with contrast stitching and gear shift paddles, double glazed windows with electric blinds for the rear window and rear door windows, a powered hands-free tailgate, connectivity to all modern multi-media appliances, Bluetooth, satellite navigation and a list that goes on and on.

Comfort levels are exceptionally high for all occupants and rear seat passengers have ample room to stretch out in style. Storage levels are also comprehensive with a boot that can cater for 520 litres of luggage. Elsewhere there are plenty of convenient storage options scattered throughout the cabin.

So the S8 plus clearly has all the comfort, styling and technology bases covered, but what about performance?

The stats really do speak for themselves when it comes to power and driving dynamics, but it’s the manner in which the car conducts itself that really impresses. Despite delivering blistering acceleration and all the sure-footed reassurances that the quattro all-wheel-drive brings, the S8 plus is exceptionally composed. It eats simply up the Tarmac and the highly efficient suspension irons out the many road surface creases along the way.

In busy town centres it ambles along quite casually, but offer it the sniff of the open road and it’s gone in a flash. The acceleration is smooth and very responsive and the Audi Drive select offers five different driving modes – Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual – which alter the car’s handling and dynamics considerably.

But when driven carefully, the S8 plus can offer class-leading economy with a combined fuel cycle of 28.2mpg and carbon emissions of 231g/km.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is beautifully slick and there is the option of using a sport programme which livens the handling up even further. But no matter how rigorously the car is driven, the interior remains beautifully hushed against any engine, road or wind noise.

The test car was priced at £96,145 but a number of options bumped up the price-tag to £108,115. And, of course, being an Audi it comes fully loaded with all the very latest safety features imaginable.