Audi S8

Audi S8 at a glance

The S8 shares its body and most of its interior with the A8 but adds a far more powerful engine, sports suspension and subtle styling details. Every generation has quattro all-wheel drive. More Audi models are listed in our Audi catalogue, and the regular saloon range is covered in our Audi A6 section.

Audi S8 generations

D2 (1996–2003)

The first S8 used a 4.2-litre V8 with 250 kW (340 PS), raised to 271 kW (369 PS) after a 1999 update; 0–60 mph took 6.2 seconds, later 5.6 seconds, and top speed was electronically limited. Kerb weight ranged from 1,730 to 1,845 kg. The D2 S8 famously appeared in the 1998 film Ronin.

D3 (2006–2010)

The second S8 used a 5.2-litre V10 FSI, a modified version of the Lamborghini Gallardo engine detuned for efficiency, producing 331 kW (450 PS); 0–60 mph took 5.1 seconds and the car weighed 1,940 kg.

D4 (2012–2018)

The third S8 switched to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 TFSI with 382 kW (520 PS), reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds; it was facelifted in 2015. The S8 plus, launched in 2016 and built by Audi Sport, raised output to 445 kW (605 PS), with 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds and, with the Dynamic Package, a top speed of about 305 km/h.

D5 (2019 onwards)

Exterior

The fourth S8 looks very little different from the regular A8 but has high-performance technology underneath. It has large dimensions, restrained but striking details, plenty of chrome and smooth surfaces. The long, wide front has a steeply raked windscreen, a large bonnet with a raised centre and a broad hexagonal Singleframe grille with chrome slats that reaches down into the bumper. Long LED headlights are split by a slim daytime running-light strip; optional HD Matrix LED headlights have 138 LEDs each plus a laser light module. The muscular bumper has deep side recesses and a chrome lower bar. In profile, a domed roof, large chrome-framed windows, matt-black pillars, rounded mirrors, round wheel arches and sills with a horizontal chrome strip stand out. Base cars have 20-inch wheels and higher trims 21-inch wheels; ground clearance is 140 mm. At the rear, a steeply raked rear window, a short boot lid with an aerodynamic lip, slim OLED tail lights joined by a light strip, long fog lamps, a full-width chrome line and four exhaust outlets in pairs complete the look.

Interior

The cabin uses top-quality leather, several types of plastic, Alcantara and metals. A four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with electric adjustment has aluminium paddle shifters and faces a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit with a sport layout. The centre console has an MMI Navigation Plus upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen for four-zone climate control and comfort functions, with Carbon Vector trim with a 3D effect on the gear selector surround and dashboard. The wide tunnel holds controls, an elegant gear selector, storage and charging space, and a two-way-opening armrest with a cooled compartment. Contoured sports seats with an embroidered "S" offer heating, ventilation, massage and extensive electric adjustment, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is available. Rear passengers enjoy generous space, Rear Seat Entertainment, a touch-screen remote in the armrest and configurable LED ambient lighting. When a door handle is touched, the active suspension raises the body by up to 50 mm within half a second to make getting in easier. The boot holds over 500 litres, takes items up to 1.8 m long and has a power lid.

Engines and transmissions

The D5's V8 has direct injection, variable valve lift, variable timing on intake and exhaust, 32 valves and cylinder on demand, which shuts down half the cylinders under light load. The 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator allows longer coasting and smooth start/stop operation, saving up to 0.8 l/100 km. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds; top speed is limited to 250 km/h or 280 km/h without the limiter, and combined consumption is about 11.3 l/100 km. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic drives quattro all-wheel drive with a Torsen centre differential and an active sport rear differential.

Chassis

The D5 uses the MLB Evo platform with a longitudinal engine and a body made of 58% aluminium plus high-strength steel, composites and magnesium. Suspension is fully independent, with double wishbones at the front and a five-link rear. Air suspension and active electromechanical anti-roll bars are standard, and the predictive active suspension uses the front camera to read bumps ahead and prepare the chassis. All-wheel steering improves manoeuvrability at low speeds and stability at high speeds. All brakes are ventilated discs, with optional carbon-ceramic brakes using ten-piston front calipers and 420 mm front and 370 mm rear discs.

Safety and equipment

The D5 has up to 38 driver-assistance systems managed by the zFAS central controller, plus Car-to-X communication that uses data from other vehicles and infrastructure. Equipment includes heated power mirrors with indicators, adaptive air suspension, high-beam assist, full-LED lighting, front, side and knee airbags for the front occupants, rear side airbags, adaptive cruise control, soft-close doors, a power boot lid, surround cameras and Bang & Olufsen audio; options include a head-up display, 21-inch wheels, matrix headlights, night vision and ceramic brakes.

Key specifications by generation

Rivals

The S8 competes with the Mercedes-AMG S 63, BMW M760Li with its V12, Porsche Panamera, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJR and Maserati Quattroporte. It does not clearly outclass its rivals, but it does not lose to them either.