Ingolstadt’s smooth operator remains as desirable as ever.
Audi isn’t wasting time. Apart from unveiling the -facelifted A8_ and A8L – as well as China’s stretched A8L Horch – it’s also unveiling the S8. This sports sedan is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after cars to carry the Four Rings. Ingolstadt hasn’t changed much about the winning formula for 2022. The Mercedes-AMG S63 rival maintains its familiar appearance, but with subtle changes.
The front grille has been made slightly wider and the horizontal bars have been replaced by a mesh pattern with honeycomb-like elements. This gives it a sportier appearance. The A8 regular comes with the S Line exterior package. This singleframe treatment can also be applied. The S8 is the most popular trim level. It also features new graphics for OLED taillights and digital matrix LED headlights. This is similar to the lower trim levels.
The S8 is available in select markets, including the United States and China. It has a long wheelbase. However, it retains the quad exhaust tips that Audi Sport calls the S-badged performance model. As standard equipment, the S8 comes with all-wheel steering, predictive active suspension, and a sport differential that actively distributes torque between the rear wheels. Buyers can choose carbon-ceramic brakes to increase stopping power for an additional fee.
The Audi S8’s heart is the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 with 563 horsepower (420kW) and 800 Newton-meters (590 pounds-feet). This elegant full-size luxury sedan can reach 62 mph (100 km/h), in just 3.8 seconds. That’s remarkable considering it is powered by a combustion engine.
Unfortunately, there is no boosted-up Plus version at the moment. This was also the case for the previous-generation S8. We wouldn’t be surprised if an RS8 is not on the horizon. Audi has resisted giving its largest sedan the full-fat RS treatment. This is similar to BMW not doing an M7.
The new Audi S8 will be available in Europe starting next month. It will retail at EUR144,800 with options in Germany.