When you drive around in the Audi S8, all anybody wants to talk about is the engine. Lurking beneath the hood, that 10-cylinder beast of an engine overshadows everything else. It really is from the same roots as the engine that you'll find in a Lamborghini Gallardo, one of the world's true supercars. But the Audi S8 is so much more than just a great engine. Carrying a base price of $92,775 ($110,170 as tested, including gas guzzler tax), the 2007 Audi S8 comes with a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty and a EPA fuel economy estimates of 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway.
First Glance: Subtly different
Larger photos: Front - rearThe S8 is part of a distinguished line of special Audi cars designed and equipped to deliver "luxurious sportiness." The first S car for public roads was the 1991 Coupe S2; the first S8 appeared in 1996. The current S lineup includes the S4 and S6. Much like the BMW M-cars, Mercedes-Benz AMG editions and the new Cadillac V-series, the Audi S cars are admired as the best examples of their breed, combining high-end luxury, technical innovation and performance beyond the ordinary -- and commanding premium pricing for the privilege of ownership. Over 140,000 S cars have been sold to date.
At a quick glance, the S8 doesn't look all that different than the A8 it's based upon. It's an elegant, low, muscular sedan with sculpted details and a menacing stance. Audi's big trapezoidal grille (link goes to photo) dominates the face of the car, highlighted by a shiny chromed border. A big Audi logo, the four joined rings, are planted firmly in the grille's center, leaving no doubt about the S8's pedigree. A small S8 badge graces the front grille. Another small badge rides on the trunk lid out back. Very subtle.
Big brakes and calipers peek out from behind the 20" alloy wheels. Impossibly low-profile tires (265/35 R20) wrap the wheels like rubber bands.
The big hint on the exterior that something different is going on is the little badge on the front fender, just behind the wheel arch. In simple raised chrome letters, it reads "V10." Just seeing that alphanumeric combination raises the hair on the back of my neck. I'm now in high alert.
In the Driver's Seat: Treat me nice
I love a good seat. S8's unique articulated front seats adjust not only front-and-back, up-and-down and for tilt -- the backrest also bends to accommodate all kinds of backs, from dowager's humps to ballerina's arches. Coupled with a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and tilt, finding the right driving position is simple. The seats are heated for those chilly morning drives.
My test vehicle was equipped with several luxury upgrades: A $6,300 Bang & Olufsen audio system; a $4,900 Leather Appointment Upgrade; a $3,500 Premium Package; and a Carbon Fiber Trim package, a bargain at $500. That's $15,200 worth of luxury upgrades on an already luxurious package. And you know what -- I would spring for each and every one of them, especially the gorgeous carbon fiber trim. By increasing the purchase price of the S8 by about 16.5%, you turn a cool car into an awesome vehicle. It's like ordering a few options on your $15,000 Scion, and walking out of the dealership with a $17,500 Scion that's personalized and cool. I know, that's crazy talk with math, but if you're crazy enough to consider a $92,000 vehicle in the first place, it's the kind of math you're going to have to do.
S8 treats rear seat passengers pretty well, too. Even with the front seat all the way back for a tall driver, there's plenty of leg room for an adult to sit comfortably in the rear. The back bench can carry three across, but is really designed for two, with a fold-down armrest/cupholder providing additional luxury between the outboard seating positions.
On the Road: Oh-my-God
So get to the engine already! OK, OK, I hear you.S8's 5.2 liter V10 directs 450 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through its six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with quattro drive system. Top speed is governed at 155 mph. Audi estimates 0-60 speed at 4.9 seconds for the 4277 lb vehicle. That's a very light weight for a large sedan, accomplished with extensive use of aluminum body and frame parts. Audi claims that their design and construction results in exceptional body rigidity. S8 is solid as a rock. Those rubber band tires communicate every nuance of the road to the driver, while the air suspension insulates the roughness out of the ride without every feeling floaty or disconnected. S8 is astonishingly easy to drive, sure-footed and nimble. Tossing the car into corners is never necessary -- it simply goes where you point it without dramatics.
Most of the time, I drove S8 in "D" mode -- standard automatic "Drive." When the road opened up or got more fun, I tried out the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel,which engage in "D" or in the Sport Mode, "S." Using the paddles, or shifting to "S," transforms S8 from a luxury sedan to a fire-breathing monster. Shift points get closer together, revs get higher, and power goes from "great" to "oh-my-god." I loved turning off the stereo system, opening up the windows, and listening to the music of that V10. I might be the guy who begs for less sound insulation in my S8 -- right now, it's almost too quiet to get all the value out of that glorious engine.
Journey's End: Rarified territory
There are several other impressive sports-luxury sedans to consider. Check out the BMW 760Li, with its mammoth V12 and host of luxury features. The M5 is a but smaller but very potent as well. Mercedes-Benz's S65 AMG dazzles in every way, and the E63 AMG is a hoot. Cadillac's STS-V is a surprising addition to the sports-luxury field, a bargain at a mere $75,000 with its supercharged V8. Jaguar's XJR is another vehicle that features light-weight aluminum body construction as well as a very high level of luxury.
At this level of conspicuous consumption, the Audi S8 is actually pretty subtle. Those in the know will spy those S8 and V10 badges as you whoosh by, and realize how much capital you've invested in your ride. S8 is the thinking man's choice for conspicuous consumption -- or the shy extrovert's way of making an automotive statement. --Jason Fogelson
