Though the fashionable efficiency SUV can hint its roots to the Mercedes-AMG ML55 of the late 90s, it’s really been honed over the past decade. It took tire and lively suspension know-how advances to really button these heavy machines down, permitting them to be extra than simply utilitarian however genuinely sporty. And whereas carmakers will fortunately construct them to fulfill the market’s robust urge for food, this development has shifted the highlight away from their sedan counterparts.
Lest we overlook, the efficiency full-size sedan additionally benefitted from this progress. Whereas SUVs developed from being greater than efficiency automobiles on stilts, quick sedans quietly made a leap in versatility and athleticism. Consumers now not have to decide on between a quick govt four-door and one with a world-class trip. The Audi S8 is an instance of this new breed and an underrated one. Combining a predictive air suspension system, a 563-horsepower twin-turbo V8, and an elegantly trimmed cabin, the S8 balances luxurious and efficiency by leaning closely on the previous and solely hinting on the latter.
It’s uncommon for a automotive’s driving expertise to hinge on buying a single elective further, nevertheless it does within the S8’s case. 2024 begins at $121,696, together with a $1,095 vacation spot payment. Nevertheless, this tester completed in a delightfully brilliant shade of District Inexperienced Metallic stickers for $141,845. Essentially the most essential line merchandise inside its listing of chosen choices is its $6,000 Predictive Air Suspension. A system comprised of cameras, electrical motors, and air shocks that do a lot of the heavy lifting (fairly actually) to make this technically “sporty” sedan really feel like a real luxurious limousine.
It really works by incorporating a forward-facing digital camera that scans the street forward. The info gathered is then fed to 4 lively suspension controllers, successfully small electrical motors positioned by every wheel, that may make particular person on-the-fly changes. These alter parameters just like the automotive’s trip top whereas shocks agency up or soften to finest soak up oncoming street imperfections. And regardless of its complexity, the system works seamlessly within the background, eliminating undesirable physique motions whereas decreasing the vibrations and roughness felt within the cabin.
At larger speeds, the S8 makes use of its digital camera to scan for potential bends, permitting it to lean barely into turns, enhancing its stability. Click on as much as its sportier drive modes, and Audi’s flagship reduces brake dive whereas eliminating rear-end squat throughout heavy acceleration. Extra importantly, it does so with out spoiling its trip, which is plush however by no means floaty. Regardless of what the “S” that adorns its trunk and grille would possibly indicate, the Audi S8 showcases solely hints of sportiness, and it’s all the higher for it.
Open any of its doorways, and this predictive system will elevate the Audi S8 by as much as two inches, facilitating ingress and egress, ought to your knees not bend like they used to. Though it comes throughout as gimmicky initially, seeing this 5,126-pound four-door perk up immediately successfully bridges the accessibility hole between sedans and SUVs. Nevertheless, it settles into its pure trip top when you shut its door in seconds.
Press its begin button, and its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 received’t roar into life with fervor, producing a low, burbly be aware that sounds distant from the motive force’s seat. It’s the results of a hushed exhaust paired with a well-isolated cabin. You wouldn’t count on it from what’s positioned because the sportiest model of the carmaker’s flagship sedan, however this restraint contributes to its luxurious limousine persona.
It’s a lot the identical when you get going. Though it generates a formidable 563 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque, the S8’s V8 fades into the background in most driving situations. It delivers energy quietly whereas an eight-speed automated strikes by gears seamlessly. Given its excessive torque output at low revs, downshifts not often want to select up pace whereas cruising.
Nevertheless, ask extra from its proper pedal, and the Audi S8 will reply. That is nonetheless, in any case, fast for its dimension and weight. Because of its commonplace all-wheel-drive system, it’ll dash to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and max out at an electronically set 155 mph restrict. It does so in a matter that’ll really feel acquainted to anybody who has pushed different Audi Sport merchandise. It kicks off with a robust wave of low-end torque, aided by a quick-shifting transmission, which makes the S8 speedy and successfully interprets the sensation of pace to its driver.
As with its elective predictive suspension system, the S8’s sporty intentions finish when its burst of acceleration is over. Its steering is ultra-light, feeling virtually disconnected from the automotive under. A con of a correct sports activities sedan however a plus in a full-size luxurious automotive. Though strong sufficient to confidently gradual this over 5,000-lb machine, its brakes are straightforward to modulate due to prolonged pedal journey. Even its exhaust system stays almost silent whatever the scenario, with the first be aware you hear coming from its audio system, not its quad pipes.
This laid-back method carries over to its cabin, which is characterised by giant, comfortable seats adorned with a diamond-stiched sample. This tester’s Cognac Brown inside enhances its inexperienced exterior, creating a sublime colour combo with out being muted. Refined carbon-fiber and gloss black accents distinction properly in opposition to the tan leather-based, whereas suede inserts in its door panels introduce further textures. The result’s an area that each seems to be and feels costly, successfully subtly incorporating historically sporty supplies like carbon fiber.
Like the remainder of the model’s flagship lineup, the Audi S8 features a configurable digital instrument cluster paired with two central screens. The higher show serves as its infotainment system whereas the one under it controls very important options, together with its air con, seat cooling, and heating options. Though bodily buttons would make these simpler to regulate on the transfer, they create a glossy aesthetic throughout the cabin.
Whether or not you take into account its inside, its engine calibration, or its intelligent predictive suspension system, the Audi S8 is a automotive constructed with full-size luxurious in thoughts and sportiness on the again burner. It delivers wonderful straight-line acceleration with out asking you to place up with a punishing trip. Its cabin is quiet and plush; even its engine be aware settles right into a subdued position.
Whereas gross sales of efficiency SUVs will probably proceed to develop as they turn out to be extra succesful and versatile, this tech has allowed the luxurious sedan to make a big leap. Thanks to those advances, the Audi S8 is usually a luxurious limousine by and thru. It simply so occurs to cover a 563-hp engine beneath its nostril, and also you wouldn’t need it every other method.
