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2018 Audi S8

Starting at $116,875

10/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2017 audi s8
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
10/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine, surprisingly agile handling, sophisticated design.
  • Lows Not especially fuel-efficient, styling might be too subdued for some buyers, outdated infotainment system.
  • Verdict Brute power and a traditionally unassuming design make the S8 a veritable wolf in sheep’s clothing.
By Drew Dorian

Overview

The Audi S8 is not your everyday country-club cruiser. It appears and often acts more athletic than its most direct competitors, the BMW 760i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG S65 sedan. Think of it as an executive rally car, with its standard all-wheel-drive system, taut suspension, and 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that Audi co-developed with Bentley. The S8 has been on the market in the U.S. since the 2013 model year, however, and the 520 horsepower of the standard S8 fell behind the 760i V-12’s 601 horses, and the AMG 65 V-12’s 621. In response, Audi introduced the S8 Plus in 2016 and has made it the only S8 model available in the U.S. It comes only in short-wheelbase form, 117.8 inches between the front and rear axles. More importantly for this very exclusive segment, its engine now produces a competitive 605 horsepower.

What's New for 2018?

There were no updates to the 2018 Audi S8. It is the last model year for the third-generation car, as its base A8 platform will be all-new for 2019, with a new S8 model to follow shortly after.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

  • S8 Plus: $116,875

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Tuning up an extra 85 horsepower to make the S8 Plus results in an as-tested 3.3-second zero-60 mph sprint, just 0.4-seconds behind Audi’s own lighter, V-10-powered R8 sports car. Order the optional Dynamic package and the speed limiter lets you keep on accelerating all the way up to 190 mph. We called the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8’s rumble “sinister, yet subdued.” Its 605 horsepower is coupled to an eight-speed automatic putting power to all four wheels, full-time. The A8’s adaptive air suspension was sport-tuned for the S8, then tuned up again for the S8 Plus. It’s cushy in Comfort mode, but click it into Dynamic mode and the driver enjoys keen steering, deft response, and an unworldly ability to rotate for such a big, heavy sedan. We said of the S8 Plus: “Its blistering performance makes it one of the ultimate sleepers sold today.”

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Audi S8 Plus’s subdued interior, all-leather with real metal trim, has enough visual pop to assure you won’t think you’re driving a quotidian A8. Standard features include four-zone climate control, 22-way power-adjustable heated front seats with massage and ventilation functions, and power rear and side sunshades. An available black leather interior with Arras red stitching is available as part of Audi Design’s full-leather package.

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Infotainment and Connectivity

The S8’s aging platform means its technology hasn’t kept up with the state-of-the-art systems found in most competitors. The Audi's MMI infotainment screens are not even as up-to-date as those available in less-expensive Audis, such as the A4, Q7, and TT. Standard equipment does include such features as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod interface, and a Bose surround-sound audio system with 14 speakers.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Audi S8‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.

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