What you’re looking at is the epitome of Audi’s sedan lineup. The S8 is an uber powerful, ultra lux, status machine and it’s equal parts riot and relaxing. So thanks to our friends at Audi Milwaukee for letting us have a go
Driving Impressions
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot in my heart for big executive sedans
They’re such a distinguished way to travel…especially when they’re packing Porsche derived 4.0TT V8s
Since there is no RS8, this S8 is the top of the range and it spits out a snarling 563 hp and 590lbft, which, if you don’t count the soon-to-be-phased-out V12 7 series is the most power in the segment…at least until AMG gets their hands on the new S Class
“Most power in the segment” are really just marketing words though, what you want to know is if it feels fast
So I’ll chuck it into dynamic mode, exhaust on powerful, and PIN IT
This thing has no business being this quick!
It’s a 5100lb luxury limo that sprints to 60 in 3.8 seconds!
And it makes incredible noises while it does it!
Power is only one ingredient of the 0-60 recipe. This S8 also gets the 8 speed and, of course, the legendary Quattro AWD system with their sport LSD in the back. All that makes this thing rocket to 60 way faster than I was anticipating on these Goodyear summer tires
So it’s fast, and powerful, and makes great noises
Then this is usually the part of the video where I say, but how does it go around turns
And the answer is SHOCKINGLY WELL!
Especially for a 5100lb luxury limo
This is made possible largely by two things. All S8s come standard with dynamic air suspension. And this guy also has all-wheel-steering
So what’s happening in a corner is the rear steering module, depending on speed will turn the rear wheels opposite the fronts for a smaller, sharper, turning circle OR in the same direction at higher speeds for better stability and chassis neutrality
THEN on the suspension side the car is reading the road and steering inputs and automatically adjusting the ride stiffness and positioning.
So, if I turn into a sharp left hander, the car will actually raise the right side of car to pre-emtively eliminate body roll
It’s such a cool feeling!
It also doesn’t hurt that the brakes are 6 piston sport brakes up front. So dynamically, it’s way sharper than I was expecting. It’s still an Audi and there’s a slight sense of heaviness on the front end, but the sharpness of the steering and the rear steer module really do away with a lot of understeer. But there’s an important piece of the powertrain I haven’t mentioned yet
And to talk about that I think we’ll dial it back into “comfort mode” because after all like i’ve been saying this whole time..this is a luxury limo
While this is the super sporty S8, the true essence of this nameplate is to be supremely comfortable at its core
And it truly is
Dialed back into comfort the suspension softens up.
It reads the road in front of you and pre adjusts the damping to give yuou the most supple ride
The steering lightens up while still being very direct
There’s almost no noise that comes in this cabin
Visibility is fantastic
But then, importantly, is the 48V mild hybrid system. This technology isn’t new at this point and it’s not even unique to Audi, but here in this S8, at least, it makes every single motion so smooth
You pull away from a light? Smooth.
The transmission shifted a gear? had no idea
Dialed back into a more relaxed drive mode this S8 reminds you that it is one of the most refined and distinguished way to traverse the world
So let’s step outside and talk about some of the finer details
Exterior Design
Simple body lines
Audi has always been about the lighting and grille
Digirtal MAtrix headlights
Headlights can project images onto the road
For augmented reality nav
Massive grille
Black on black is a gorgeous spec for this
Black optics
Hood is a mile long
Simple profile lines too
21 inch wheels
Goodyear summer tire for more grip
6 piston front brakes
Air suspension std
Will tilt the car into a corner so you feel flat
When you open the door the car will raise up
Rear end is simple
But with taillights like these it’s better that way
Gorgeous lights
They literally change depending on drive mode
Interesting even with black optics still chrome quad tips
Interior & Features
Soft close
Beautifully modern interior
Carbon fibre, aluminium, great leather, alcantara, stitching
This interior is much more subdued than the Merc or BMW
I kinda like that
Heated, cooled, massage seats (heated wheel)
Hidden air vents
Audi is king of reveals (lights, vents, etc)
Digital cluster (virtual cockpit)
HUD
10 inch info
Familiar MMI
Wireless ACP & AA
8 inch climate screen below
Ambient lighting even in the ceiling
360 camera is…ok
Augmented reality camera thing
Wireless charger in center console
B&O sound
Split pano roof*
HUGE back seat and huge door opening
Auto window shades
Heated rear seats
Quad zone climate
mirrors
Big trunk, but not huge
Conclusion
So that’s the 2022 Audi S8. I’ll be honest, this was my first true experience with the S8. I’ve tested the A8 previously and was left feeling that it lacked a little muscle, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this S8. However, after my time with it, I was blown away by the theatre and sophistication of the S8. And I know $140k doesn’t sound like it, but considering the company it’s in it’s actually kind of a bargain and a HUGE bang for your buck. So thanks again to our friends at Audi Milwaukee for letting us have a go