The engine is powerful, but has to move a lot of mass. The lighter and 51 hp weaker predecessor was just as fast.
Almost everything is the same on board the lifted luxury liner. But new headlights shine on the asphalt. In each, 1.3 million micromirrors juggle with the LED light beam, projecting lane and orientation light onto the motorway, which precisely defines the roadway in a bright carpet of light using arrow graphics – drive-in cinema 4.0! Illumination and matrix functions? Just as brilliant!
In curves up to three degrees incline
There are a few, but first we marvel at the clever trick with which the body is raised by four centimeters when the door is opened – it could hardly be more accommodating.
This is ensured by the four electric motors, which can retract and extend each wheel individually via a belt via a planetary gear, in curves for up to three degrees of inclination – mind you in the middle of the curve (“comfort plus” driving mode). This reduces the felt centrifugal forces acting on the occupants, which makes cornering more comfortable.
Workmanship and the low noise level are of the highest level.
In dynamic mode, the system also reduces the body roll: Instead of the usual five degrees, the S8 body only tilts a maximum of two degrees to the side. But the S8 is never unyielding. Despite the optional 21-inch wheel (1,500 euros), the air suspension is always a delight.
571 hp in the Audi S8
A brief overview of the repertoire of the 571 hp gem: The four-liter biturbo masters the Sound of Silence on the one hand, and thanks to the 48-volt system it often sails silently through the area, sometimes for kilometers downhill. There is a ruckus and a ruckus as soon as the beast sends all 800 Newton meters through the eight-speed automatic transmission. Then the 2.3-tonne quattro dashes forward as violently as many a super electric car.
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Between these two extremes there are plenty of nuances of a particularly seductive combustion engine propulsion. Chasing the almost 5.20 meter long flagship down the country road is another special pleasure that makes the mouths open or narrowed eyes of the passengers – that’s a question of type.
The drive shovels a large portion of the power to the rear axle. And then via the sport differential to the wheel on the outside of the curve. Not a drifter, but noticeably committed to curves, this S8 – it’s definitely different.
V8 limited to 250 km/h
On the race track, however, the arc to sporty driving is quickly overstretched due to the high mass, so the many luxury pounds cannot be explained away. On the other hand, things are rather undramatic on the Autobahn. Thanks to the very low noise level, you can almost hear the V8 getting bored at work at a speed of 250 (always limited) and just over 4000 revs.
The rear-biased all-wheel drive has a positive impact on curves. But at the limit, the heavy ship slowly drifts outwards over the front wheels.
We were a little surprised by the fact that it didn’t run exactly straight ahead at high speeds. It’s a shame for a highway animal like the S8, even some mid-range limos can do it better. But the motoric superiority delighted in the S8 even at a casual pace.
In the end, even solvent readers tap the costs in the table, estimate the immense loss in value – and probably wave it off. Anyone who still manages to get their way will soon understand that the S in the S8 does not stand for sport so much. But definitely for SPECTACULAR!
rating
Sports-oriented luxury sedan with lots of space, high-quality workmanship and great quality. Central airbag and head-up not standard.
Superior driving performance. Fine, never obtrusive V8 sound. 48-volt technology helps to save fuel, and the gearbox is usually on the ball.
DRIVING DYNAMICS 3.5 out of 5 points
Always very good traction, the rear-heavy torque distribution has a positive effect, at top speed no precise straight-line stability.
BRAKES 3 out of 5 points
Even with warm brakes, the ceramic system does not produce top values. In earlier tests, the S8 (pre-facelift) performed better.
STEERING 4 out of 5 points
A bit smooth-running with a sporty driving style, but good translation and, thanks to all-wheel steering, quite handy given the size.
COMFORT 5 out of 5 points
Thanks to the active chassis, many unusual features such as a lifting function when entering/exiting. Extremely quiet, pleasantly supple suspension.
COST 2 out of 5 points
Maintenance only every two years, but then very expensive at up to 1500 euros. High hull classification and probably very high depreciation.
AUTO BILDSPORTSCARS test score: 2-
