The all-new Audi S8, the fifth generation of the company’s flagship luxury sedan, has arrived in Australia and it looks to be a brilliant piece of work.

At the heart of the S8 is a brutal 4-litre TFSI V8 engine sporting two twin-scroll turbochargers and generating 420kW and 800Nm of torque from 2,000 – 6,000 rpm.

The potent engine propels the S8 to some truly impressive performance numbers. 0-100km/h is reached in just 3.8 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

The engine is made with a cast aluminium crankcase that weighs just 39.1kg, has an advanced variable oil pump arrangement, variable camshafts and a sophisticated fuel injection system.

Intelligent efficiency systems further enhance the engine’s performance. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover up to 8 kW of power while coasting or under light throttle. The start/stop system also draws on the 48v electrical system, saving up to 0.8 litres of fuel, per 100km. Additionally, cylinder on demand (CoD) technology can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load. All of this is contributes to a decent 10.5L/100km fuel consumption.

To harness the engine’s power, the all-new S8 is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically: 40:60, front to rear respectively. However, up to 85 per cent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for especially sporty handling. The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.

For the first time in an Audi, predictive active suspension technology debuts standard in the S8. The system works in combination with multiple sensors throughout the car, including the video camera, to influence and actively control the S8’s body and adapt to road conditions. In ‘Comfort plus’ mode, the system reduces the effect of g-forces felt by passengers by ‘leaning’ into the pitch/roll inertia movements of the car. In dynamic mode, it delivers on cornering performance. Agility is further enhanced by the standard Dynamic All-Wheel-Steering system.

Standard features include 21-inch aluminium wheels, accentuated with red brake calipers, metallic paint and privacy glass for the rear windows.

As expected on such a car, technology is top-notch. There’s seamless integration of Audi smartphone interface via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unique displays in the standard Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, along with a head-up display, provide all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the high-resolution MMI touch response system. There’s a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (17 speakers, 730W) plus a rear seat remote control and Audi music interface with two USB outlets in the backseat for passengers to connect their devices.

Those extra, special touches one might expect on such a top-end car abound. Before the driver or passenger even enters the cabin, the S8’s predictive active suspension lifts by 50mm when a door handle is opened – a feature designed to make entry and exit more comfortable.

The interior is upholstered in Valcona leather, complete with carbon vector and dark brushed aluminium inlays. The leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel offers heating for cooler climates, matched by heating, ventilation and massage functions in the front seats, and the colour interior lighting allows for settings dependant on the mood.

Other highlights include electric outer rear seats with memory and heating functionality, as well as two panel sunroof and electric sunblinds – all operable from the rear remote control. Exclusively offered within the A8 and S8 are Matrix LED reading lights in the rear.

On top of this is a full suite of driver assistance systems, including park assist, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and traffic jam assist, exit warning and rear cross traffic assist. Passive safety features include a front centre airbag.

The all-new S8 4.9 TFSI Quattro is priced at $260,000. It will be available in Audi dealerships from October and is also available to order through the new Audi online purchase platform, at audi.com.au

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (September 2020)

15 September 2020