The high-performance version of Audi's prestigious A8 sedan, the S8 offers the same first-class comfort and amenities, but with the thrill of a 605-horsepower turbocharged V8. The S8 remains one of the fastest full-size luxury cars available at any price.
What's New for 2017
Aside from additional interior trim choices, the S8 is unchanged.
Choosing Your Audi S8
The centerpiece of the S8 is a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 that lays down 605 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. There's also a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension and 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive complete the mechanical setup. The S8 wears some aggressive styling bits on the outside, but nothing to spoil its classically Audi looks. The S8 rides on Audi's "standard" full-size wheelbase, while the A8 comes only in extended-wheelbase form.
The S8 is available in single trim level known as Plus (the base model departed last year), which includes everything most buyers expect in this class. Inside, you get 22-way heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, and diamond-stitched leather upholstery throughout. The cabin features four-zone climate control, power rear sunshades, and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Also on hand are power soft-close doors, a web-based navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear collision alert.
For an extra measure of performance, the Dynamic package adds a less restrictive speed limiter (190 mph), ceramic brakes at all corners, a sport exhaust system, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Other packages are shared with the A8 line and include Driver Assistance (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, active front collision mitigation) and Cold Weather (heated rear seats and steering wheel).
Individual options are as swanky as you would expect in a car like this. You can get a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, infrared night vision, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system. Upgraded leathers and interior finishes are also available.
We consider the Driver Assistance and Cold Weather packages to be essential for a car in this league, and they don't add much to the price. The more exotic (and expensive) individual options are simply icing on the cake.