2021 Audi S8 Review

Trims

2021 Audi S8 trim comparison

S8 Standard

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Starting MSRP

$131,945

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

Multi-Zone Climate Control

Premium Audio

13 city/22 hwy

4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo

AWD

4 yr / 50k mi

563 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Start/Stop System

Regenerative Braking

Gas

Premium Unleaded

563 hp

6000 rpm

590 lb-ft

2500 rpm

4.0 L

V

8 cylinder

Twin-Turbo

Double Overhead

32 valve

10.1

13 MPG

22 MPG

16 MPG

Overview

The Audi S8 offers the best styling and technology the brand has to offer in a high-performance package. It provides similar luxury and comfort to other ultra-luxury cars, but it sprinkles in race-inspired components and vast power to make it as pleasurable to drive as it is to ride in. Some competitors are more fuel-efficient and have more over-the-top amenities. But for timeless styling, grand luxury, and stealthy performance, few can match the S8.

Positives

Timeless styling inside and out. Great acceleration and handling. Generous standard features list. Audi's trademark craftsmanship.

Considerations

Not as economical as rivals. High starting price. Lacks a few high-end amenities.

Verdict

Buying a luxury sedan shouldn't mean sacrificing driving fun, and the Audi S8 is proof. Based on the sleek A8 full-size sedan, the S8 adds a twin-turbo V8 making 563 hp, plus many other high-performance upgrades. This gives the large sedan astonishing speed and handling while remaining as luxurious as any of its rivals. The S8 is hard to differentiate from the A8 from the outside, making it one of the stealthiest performance cars available.

What's New for 2021

Standard 21-inch wheels and heated front armrests.

Trims and Pricing

Priced from around $131,000, the Audi S8 comes equipped with all of the amenities one would find on the A8, plus a few upgrades. The standard features list is exhaustive, but top items include all-wheel drive, an air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, a suite of advanced safety systems, automatic LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a motion-activated trunk, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, proximity keyless entry, tri-zone climate control, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, dual touchscreens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and wireless device charging.

Customers can add technology like night vision and a surround-sound system. A full leather interior is available. The Executive Package comes with laser headlamps, OLED tail lamps, and additional driver safety features. Carbon-ceramic brakes, usually found on exotic sports cars, can be added for extra stopping power.

Engine and Performance

The Audi S8 uses one of the German automaker's most powerful engines, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. It produces an immense 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. These figures translate into impressive acceleration and speed. The V8 is smooth for relaxing highway rides yet sporty enough for exciting jaunts down twisty roads. Unfortunately, its fuel economy -- an EPA-estimated 13/22 mpg city/highway -- is not competitive for its segment.

The engine connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The S8 also has an adaptive air suspension with independent control over each wheel. It helps minimize body roll in corners and provides a cloud-like ride when desired.

Interior

The S8 is one of the top models in Audi's lineup, a full-size sedan priced well over $100,000. That being the case, it comes with all of the best style and features one would hope for from an Audi. You can find the brand's trademark refinement and handsome styling throughout. At the heart of the driver's layout is a fully digital information center, with dual touchscreens providing seemingly endless customization of everything from the vehicle's air suspension to the ambient lighting.

Technology fans will find the S8 one of the best choices in its class, as the infotainment features are seamlessly integrated into the soft leather and high-end metal trim. The seats are incredibly comfortable, as one would expect from a premium sedan. There is plenty of space in both rows for passengers to stretch out, and Audi offers heated rear seats for those living in colder climates.