Audi S8 verdict
The Audi S8 occupies a unique place in the high-performance saloon market. All it’s key rivals – Bentley Flying Spur, Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, Mercedes-AMG S63 – are now plug-in hybrids. They’re faster, more efficient, cost a small fortune less in benefit-in-kind taxes, and are more engaging to drive. That all applies to the BMW M5, as well, which undercuts the S8 on price.
Things aren’t looking good for the S8, then. But there’s something undeniably appealing about it, an old-school charm. It is, by any measure, a highly competent luxury saloon, one that happens to go extremely fast and be just lovely to drive. And it goes about its business quietly, discreetly. Yes, it’s bettered by rivals in most areas, but the S8 isn’t far off. And we just can’t ignore the £40,000-plus price gap to them.
What we like
The S8’s discreet styling, high levels of comfort, user-friendly tech, space and practicality, surprising efficiency and huge turn of speed.
What we don’t like
Co2 emissions mean the S8 isn’t really a viable company car, it’s tech isn’t presented as well as in more recent rivals and its ride doesn’t quite match the magic carpet feel of the latest Porsche Panamera.
Image of a static, black Audi S8, looking at its front end
Image of a static, black Audi S8, looking at its front right corner
Image of a static, black Audi S8, looking at its rear left corner
Image of a static, black Audi S8, looking at its right side
Image of a black Audi S8 driving around a corner, looking at its front right corner
Image of a black Audi S8 driving around a corner, looking at its right side
Image of a black Audi S8 driving around a corner, looking at its rear end
Image of the Audi S8's dashboard, viewed from the back seat
Image of the Audi S8's dashboard, viewed from the driver's seat
Image of the Audi S8's rear seats, viewed from the open right-hand door
Image of the Audi S8's digital instrument display
Image of the Audi S8's dashboard, viewed from the open passenger door
Image of the Audi S8's rear seats, viewed from the open right-hand door, with a child seat on the left-hand side
Image of the Audi S8's dashboard, showing the infotainment and climate control screens
Image of the Audi S8's open boot, with a suitcase loaded in
