2023 Audi S8 Review

Trims

2023 Audi S8 trim comparison

S8 Standard

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Starting MSRP

$121,595

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

15 city/23 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

Eco Mode

Sport Mode

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

15 MPG

23 MPG

18 MPG

Reviewed by Abigail Bassett

Overview

The Audi S8 is a performance-oriented version of the standard A8, which is Audi's largest and most prestigious sedan. The S8 is upgraded with a 563-horsepower twin-turbo V8 that pairs well with the eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It also has a sport-tuned version of the A8's adaptive suspension in addition to rear-wheel steering, which combine to make the S8 handle like a much smaller sedan. When it's not showing off its performance credentials, the S8 remains smooth and refined. The S8 seats five and comes equipped with a long list of advanced tech features, plus leather inside with various wood trim options. The Executive package adds a new self-parking system. The 2023 Audi S8 starts at $118,595 (the A8 costs $87,800) and competes with the Mercedes-Benz S Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Genesis G90. The Audi S8 falls in the middle of the pack in terms of pricing.

Positives

Powerful V8 engine. Agile on the road. Stylish, tech-forward cabin and features.

Considerations

Guzzles gas. Understated exterior for a pricey sport sedan.

Verdict

If you're in the market for a luxury sedan that's understated and capable, the Audi S8 is a prime candidate.

What's New for 2023

Small upgrades to the 2023 Audi S8 include a Valcona leather interior with rhombus-shaped stitching, and a remote parking system in the Executive package.

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Audi S8 is only available in one trim level, but a number of options and packages can be added to suit individual tastes.

Standard

Starting at $118,595 (including a $1,095 destination fee), the S8 features 21-inch wheels, fancy Valcona leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, four-zone climate control, carbon-fiber trim, heated and ventilated 22-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The optional Comfort Plus package ($4,700) adds leather upholstery, heated outboard rear seats, and a head-up display. The Executive package ($4,050) adds distinctive 21-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a new remote parking feature, and traffic sign recognition. A Rear-Seat Comfort package ($4,200) adds heated armrests as well as massaging and ventilated power-adjustable rear seats.

Engine and Performance

Drawing its power from a 563-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the 2023 Audi S8 delivers impressive driving performance. Audi says it will go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. With a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive air suspension, and all-wheel steering, the S8 feels refined and remarkably agile for such a big sedan. At cruising speed, the Audi's cabin is eerily quiet, making it great for long trips. Along with the 600-hp BMW Alpina B7, the Audi S8 is one of the most powerful sedans in its class.

Fuel Economy

Large luxury sedans are not known for their fuel efficiency. But among its rivals, the 2023 Audi S8 trails the pack, with Environmental Protection Agency estimates of 14 mpg during city driving and 23 mpg on the highway. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets 17/25 mpg city/highway, and the Genesis G90 Ultimate delivers 16/24 mpg. The Lexus LS 500 posts the best numbers in the segment, returning 18/29 mpg city/highway.

Interior

The Audi S8 sports clean lines, high-end leather and wood grain trim, and plenty of technology. Its five-passenger cabin is roomy and features supportive heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats. Buyers can add the Rear-Seat Comfort package with massaging and ventilated power-adjustable rear seats and heated armrests. Other large luxury sedans offer many of the same high-end features. However, the BMW Alpina B7 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class provide more passenger and cargo space. The S8's trunk measures just 13 cubic feet, one of the smallest in its class. The Alpina has 18.2 cubic feet and the Lexus 16.9 cubic feet.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi equips the S8 with a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and 8.6-inch lower display. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 17-speaker sound system, as well as Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. All models come with quad-zone climate control and ambient lighting. Buyers can add a 23-speaker stereo system. Some rivals include more standard infotainment technology, and the BMW Alpina B7, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Genesis G90 all provide larger touchscreens. The G90 also comes with a dual-screen rear entertainment system — optional in the B7 and S-Class — while the Lexus LS features a premium 28-speaker stereo system.

Safety

The Audi S8 has not been crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That's not uncommon for cars in this segment.

Parking sensors, a surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are standard. Add the Executive package for more advanced driver-safety equipment, including traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam and turn assist, and a self-parking system.

Audi S8 vs. the Competition

With exquisite performance and thoughtful interior design, the 2023 Audi S8 competes well against its luxury sedan rivals. The Genesis G90 Ultimate and Lexus LS 500 also offer terrific performance and attractive interiors with lower starting prices. If you are looking for a more upscale brand, consider the BMW Alpina B7 or Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Both feature top-notch interiors and the added cachet of their brands.

Audi S8 vs. BMW 7 Series

Audi S8 vs. Genesis G90

Audi S8 vs. Lexus LS

Audi S8 vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

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