FEW CARS ARE AS IMPOSING or impressive as Audi’s flagship, the S8.
With sharpened exterior design and innovative lighting technology, the limousine continues to raise the bar with its enticing combination of sporty presence, comfort and peerless quality. The new Audi S8 builds on the considerable strengths of its predecessor.
“The new Audi S8 is in rarefied air at the pinnacle of our model range,” said Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia.
“The Audi S8 is one of those truly special vehicles that is revered by many, but only owned by a few. It stands apart for its unique combination of performance, luxury and innovation that is scarcely found anywhere in the market. The refreshed S8 continues this legacy, with new features that will ensure it retains its eminence at the peak of the Audi range, and of the luxury sedan market.”
As the epitome of performance and luxury, the new S8 sits at the top of the A8 range, furthering the confident and progressive character of the active luxury sedan through contemporary user-oriented experience and technological innovation. The A8 range has been the brand’s leading edge in the luxury sedan segment of Audi’s portfolio since 1994.
Heroic performance and incredible handling
The Audi S8 is powered by a potent 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine producing a monumental power output of 420kW and 800Nm of torque from 2050 to 4500 rpm, catapulting the S8 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 250km/h., The Audi S8 also comes equipped with mild hybrid technology (MHEV), which uses the A8’s 48-volt main electrical system as an intelligent efficiency system to further enhance the engine’s performance alongside standard cylinder on demand technology (CoD).
The 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover up to 8 kW of power while coasting or under light throttle. The start/stop system also draws on the 48v electrical system, saving up to 0.8 litres of fuel per 100km. Additionally, cylinder on demand (CoD) technology can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load, resuming within milliseconds when required. All of this is imperceptible to the driver and passengers, and contributes to its impressive 10.5L/100km fuel consumption on the combined cycle.
The audacious roar of the engine has a distinctive texture to its sound, thanks to the 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 firing sequence. This symphony is amplified through the S8’s dual exhaust system, and is easily controlled via Audi drive select.
To harness the engine’s incredible power, the all-new S8 is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via the legendary Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically: 40:60, front to rear respectively. This provides the perfect platform for dynamic handling with optimal traction, however up to 85 percent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for especially sporty handling. The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
One of most advanced suspension systems in the world features in the S8 flagship, offering remarkable dynamic versatility: from the luxurious ride comfort expected from a limousine to the physics-defying dynamics only seen in thoroughbred sports cars. Predictive active suspension technology works in combination with multiple sensors throughout the car, including the video camera, to influence and actively control the S8’s body, seamlessly adapting to the road conditions. It can load or unload each wheel with additional power individually via an electric motor and thereby actively regulate the position of the chassis in any driving situation.
When dynamic mode is on in the Audi drive select system, the large sedan shows its sporty side. It firmly turns into corners, the roll angles are small, and the body hardly dips when braking. In comfort+ mode, by contrast, it smoothly breezes over unevenness. Upon entering a curve, it elevates the side of the body on the outside of the curve and lowers the other side, thereby tilting it into the curve up to three degrees. At speeds between 80 and 130 km/h and lateral acceleration of up to 0.4g, cornering is scarcely noticeable. Agility is further enhanced by the standard Dynamic All-Wheel-Steering system, rounding out the long list of attributes to increase driving pleasure in the Audi S8.
Striking exterior design meets innovative technology
Visually, the refreshed S8 boasts a sporty elegance with a striking exterior design. The wide, upright Singleframe grille complements the S8’s flowing and muscular body with its contoured roofline. Quad-oval tailpipes sit beneath the sculptured rear bumper, with rhomboid pattern insert and contrasting diffuser.
The athletic character of the all-new S8 is further enhanced with a range of standard features including 21-inch Audi Sport, 10-Y-spoke wheels, accentuated with red brake calipers, black exterior styling, metallic paint and privacy glass for the rear windows all as standard. A selection of nine exterior colours is available on the new S8, as well as three interior trim colour schemes.
Technologically advanced headlights and taillights – Audi’s speciality – inspire with innovative functions and form the apex of the S8’s established technology portfolio. Audi was the first vehicle manufacturer to offer Digital Matrix LED headlights; first on the e-tron S and now as standard equipment on the S8.
Each headlight has approximately 1.3 million micromirrors that break down the light into tiny pixels. This allows it to be controlled with maximum precision. The design is based on a technology abbreviated asDMD (Digital Micromirror Device) sharing the same technology used in many video projectors. This makes several new functions possible, including advanced coming/leaving home sequences, glare-free high-beam and lane, orientation, and marking lights for highways.
The enhanced S8 also comes equipped with digital OLED rear lights as a standard feature. In conjunction with the assistance systems, the digital OLED rear lights have a proximity indication feature which increases visibility, and thus, safety. Unmistakeable and dynamic by day and by night, the OLED light signature designs differentiate between models, giving the S8 its own unique light taillight design.
Depending on driving mode, the character of the taillight signature is also adjusted automatically when stationary. The newly equipped standard digital matrix headlights and OLED tail lights give the new Audi S8 the most advanced lighting system on the market.
Luxe interior comforts
Intuitive technology and exceptional connectivity underpin the unique driving experience on the all-new S8, with the seamless integration of Audi smartphone interface via wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus with head-up display provides all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the high-resolution MMI touch response system.
The Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (23 speakers, 1920W) is a symphonic feast for audiophiles. Additionally, the S8 boasts a new exciting addition to its suite of infotainment, now equipped with digital TV functionality as standard. Screens optionally available in the rear are tailored to the expectations of today’s rear-seat passengers. That means two 10.1-inch displays with full HD resolution attached to the backs of the front seats. They display content from passengers’ devices and can receive numerous audio and video streams via casting, including from well-known streaming platforms or TV media libraries.
Inside the cabin, the new S8 is exquisitely crafted, delivering an enriching experience for both the driver and those who prefer to be driven. Before the driver or passenger even enters the cabin, the S8’s predictive active suspension lifts by 50mm when a door handle is opened – making entry and exit far more comfortable.
The interior is upholstered in Valcona leather, complete with an elegant arrangement of carbon vector and dark brushed aluminium inlays.
The leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel offers heating for cooler climates, matched by heating, ventilation and massage functions in the front seats. The front armrests are also heated. The colour interior lighting setting creates a peaceful ambience with a unique selection of options available, dependant on the mood. Stainless steel pedals and the extended leather upholstery package, spanning from the centre console through to the door railings add to the cabin’s sophisticated air.
Comfort and convenience items are a real highlight in this segment, but the S8 exceeds expectations with highlights including electric outer rear seats with memory and heating functionality, as well as a panoramic sunroof and electric sunblinds – all operable from the rear remote control. Exclusively offered within the S8 are the Matrix LED reading lights in the rear, giving passengers the opportunity to complete work assignments on the journey home or on the way to meetings. There are countless other touchpoints that give every journey a real sense of occasion.
The sharpened design coupled with established technologies and outstanding comfort in the back seats define Audi’s premium conception in this segment. The sedan thereby represents the symbiosis of masterful comfort and sporty handling and it therefore covers the full breadth of driving experience. With precision in all details and many intelligent functions, the new S8 is a high-value technology pioneer in user-centred, confident mobility.
Safety and assistance high priority
As with all Audi vehicles, there is an abundance of safety features. Included as standard are park assist, 360-degree cameras for outstanding visibility when manoeuvring, adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist, exit warning and rear cross traffic assist. Lane change warning detections offering a range of functions such as side assist, turn assist, collision avoidance assist and efficiency assist are also included as standard for the Audi S8.
Safety is paramount in the S8 with a host of features to protect those inside the vehicle. Audi pre-sense can work in collaboration with predictive active suspension to raise the side of the vehicle up in a pending side collision to mitigate the impact. Another notable passive safety feature in the S8, is the front centre airbag. During the event of a side impact, or if the vehicle rolls over during a collision, the centre airbag is deployed for increased protection inside the cabin.
In addition to the standard equipment of its predecessor, the new S8 gains night vision assist with marking lights, made possible with the latest Digital Matrix LED headlights as detailed above.
Five-year warranty
Like all new Audi vehicles delivered to Australian customers from January 1 2022, the new S8 also comes with the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty and five-year Audi Roadside Assist. Audi also provides a 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicle.
Audi owners also receive a complementary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences, and premium partner offers.
Five-year service plans can be purchased at any time during the first 12 months of ownership of a new Audi vehicle, for a cost of $4030.
Two-year Audi Advantage packages can be purchased in addition, including full factory warranty, 2 years of scheduled servicing and 2 years of roadside assistance beyond the initial warranty period for a cost of $4800. These packages can be purchased back-to-back, giving owners the option to include the cost of warranty, servicing and roadside assistance for up to nine years at the time of purchase.
Market Introduction
The refreshed Audi S8 is available for order in Audi dealerships.
Pricing (plus on road costs)
| S8 4.0L V8 TFSI quattro | $273,400 |