CAR REVIEW: Audi S8 is quick and fabulous

Extremely-fast saloons are one thing of a dying breed, however this one is an absolute gem.

The S8 is successfully a mix between the traditional A8 luxurious saloon and the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 used within the RS7.

If you’ve completed admiring what’s beneath the bonnet, you’ll be equally impressed by the luxurious inside and excessive ranges of tech.

Taking simply 3.8 seconds, the acceleration from a standing begin to 62mph is blistering – but it surely doesn’t essentially really feel it. That’s as a result of the S8 is so refined and composed, getting up to the mark with the minimal of fuss.

The primary clue to the very fact you’re gaining tempo rapidly is the attractive notice from the exhaust, which isn’t overbearing however is sufficient to carry a smile to the face.

If you’ve obtained a whopping 563bhp at your disposal, you want reliable dealing with to match the ability – and Audi seldom disappoints on that entrance.

The four-wheel drive system instils confidence, whereas refined predictive air suspension and all-wheel steering make the automobile really feel as agile as a a lot shorter automobile.

Maybe it’s not essentially the most partaking automobile to drive, as you’ll be able to belief the set-up to do its factor within the corners, whilst you additionally don’t want to alter gear due to the slick eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

As soon as contained in the S8, you’ll be able to’t fail to benefit from the stress-free inside, which is lined with nice supplies and consists of a great deal of mod cons.

The Valcona leather-based upholstery with diamond stitching is a pleasant characteristic, as is the stitched leather-based dashboard masking.

The entrance seats are as snug as you will get, and likewise supply commonplace heating, cooling, and therapeutic massage.

These within the again can actually stretch their legs, because the rear of the cabin affords oceans of house. The boot additionally supplies beneficiant ranges of bags house.

4-zone automated local weather management comes as commonplace, as is the ambient inside lighting system.

The cabin is packed filled with high-level tech, together with a 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit, 10.1-inch higher infotainment system and an 8.6-inch decrease display.

Different commonplace options embrace Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, wi-fi smartphone charging and in-dash navigation.

Clearly, this all comes at a substantial worth, with the S8 attracting a six-figure price ticket.

You’ll additionally pay on the pumps as a consequence of that meaty engine. Regardless of varied intelligent fuel-saving gadgets and the choice to toggle between driving modes, the mixed economic system figures is available in at 24.4 mpg, which is even decrease in actuality.

Nevertheless, should you’re shopping for this automobile, you’re most likely not counting the pennies, so maybe it’s pointless to dwell too lengthy on the monetary challenges of shopping for and working the S8.

It will be much more of a fuel-guzzler had been it not for a 48-volt delicate hybrid electrical help system, which turns the engine off when it isn’t required, and a system that deactivates particular person cylinders when full energy isn’t wanted.

In conclusion, the S8 affords a mix of energy, consolation and tech that few different autos can match.

Audi S8 TFSI quattro tiptronic

ENGINE: 3996cc, 571PS
TOP SPEED: 155 mph
ACCELERATION: 0-62 mph 3.8 Seconds, prime velocity 155mph
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed tiptronic
ECONOMY: 24.4 mpg mixed and 262 g/km emissions 
PRICE: £121,140