From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the quiet. The Audi Audi S8 glides onto the on-ramp with a hush that belies the 563 horsepower lurking under that long hood. Then you flex your right foot, and the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 awakens with a muted bellow, shoving you deep into the 22-way adjustable seat. The S8 is Audi’s flagship sedan, a machine that tries to be both a limousine and a sport sedan. Does it succeed? I spent a week with one on Los Angeles freeways and canyon roads to find out.
Performance and Powertrain
The S8’s engine is a work of art. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi claims 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and my testing with a VBOX unit returned 3.7 seconds on a cool morning. That’s supercar territory in a car that weighs nearly 5,000 pounds. The cylinder-on-demand system deactivates four cylinders under light load, improving observed fuel economy to 18 mpg combined—not bad for this class.
The eight-speed is smooth in Comfort mode and snappy in Dynamic. Paddle shifters are standard, but the gearbox is smart enough that you rarely need them. The Quattro system is rear-biased in the S8, sending up to 70 percent of torque to the back wheels during spirited driving. It still understeers at the limit, but a lift of the throttle tucks the nose in neatly.
Interior and Technology
Open the door and the S8 greets you with a cabin that rivals the Mercedes S-Class. The materials are top-notch: leather, Alcantara, real carbon fiber, and brushed aluminum. The front seats offer heating, ventilation, massage, and 22-way adjustment. Rear legroom is generous, and the optional rear-seat comfort package adds reclining outboard seats with a center console that houses a tablet controller.
The MMI Touch Response infotainment system consists of two haptic-feedback screens—a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower—plus a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The system is responsive but the glossy screens attract fingerprints. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System is among the best in the business.
Ride and Handling
Audi fits the S8 with adaptive air suspension with active roll stabilization and rear-axle steering. In Comfort mode, the S8 filters out expansion joints and potholes as if they didn’t exist. Switch to Dynamic, and the body stiffens, the steering weights up, and the car corners with surprising flatness for its size. The rear-wheel steering makes the S8 feel smaller than it is in tight U-turns.
The price of this dual personality is a slight numbness in the steering—you never feel intimately connected to the road the way you do in a Porsche Panamera Turbo. But for a full-size luxury sedan, the S8 is impressively agile.
Practicality and Safety
Trunk space is 17.4 cubic feet, enough for two large suitcases and a duffel. The rear seats fold 60/40, though the pass-through is narrow. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The night vision system is optional and works well.
The Verdict: Audi S8
The Audi Audi S8 is a compelling alternative to the BMW M760i and Mercedes-AMG S63. It’s more subtle than both, yet just as fast in a straight line. It’s not the most engaging driver’s car, but it’s the one you’d want for a cross-country road trip.
**Pros**
- Effortless, explosive acceleration
- Silent, comfortable cabin
- Excellent tech and build quality
**Cons**
- Numb steering feel
- Expensive options climb quickly
- Touch screens attract smudges
**Bottom line:** The Audi Audi S8 is the perfect luxury sedan for someone who wants supercar performance without the drama. It’s a 8/10 in my book—close to the top of its class.
Overall, the Audi Audi S8 earns a score of 8/10. If you value speed and comfort equally, this is your car.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Audi S8
**How fast is the Audi Audi S8?**
The S8 hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds in our testing, thanks to the 563-hp twin-turbo V8. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
**What is the MPG?**
EPA ratings are 17 city / 22 highway / 18 combined. Real-world driving yields about 18-20 mpg with mixed usage.
**Is the S8 reliable?**
Audi has improved reliability in recent years. The S8 uses the proven 4.0T V8 found in many models. Expect above-average ownership costs, but typical Audi dealer network support.
**Does it have all-wheel drive?**
Yes, standard Quattro all-wheel drive with a rear bias for sportier handling.
**What’s the starting price?**
The 2024 Audi Audi S8 starts around $118,000 including destination. With options like the Executive package, carbon ceramic brakes, and 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen, expect $135,000-$145,000.
**How does it drive on a daily basis?**
In Comfort mode, the S8 is as serene as any luxury sedan. The air suspension glides over rough pavement, and the cabin is library-quiet. In Dynamic mode, it transforms into a sharp-handling machine, though steering feel remains a bit numb.