The new Audi S8 combines progressive luxury with dynamic athleticism while honing its reputation as the benchmark for Vorsprung durch Technik with innovative suspension systems. Its 4.0 TFSI engine – a biturbo eight-cylinder unit – produces 420 kW (571 hp) and an opulent 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.3–11.4* (20.8–20.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 258–260* (415.2–418.4 g/mi)). It is combined with MHEV technology for the perfect symbiosis of efficiency and comfort with exhilarating performance. The predictive active suspension, dynamic-all-wheel steering and quattro drive with sport differential provide for outstanding vehicle dynamics straight from the factory. The new Audi S8** uses specific design elements to express the sporty elegance of the sophisticated luxury sedan with pinpoint precision.
Impressive performance: the drive system
As a V8 engine with mild hybrid technology, the high-performance powerplant in the Audi S8** offers not only maximum smoothness, but with an output of 420 kW (571 PS), 800 Nm (590.0 lb-ft) of torque (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.3–11.4* (20.8–20.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 258–260* (415.2–418.4 g/mi)) and two turbochargers also the certainty that ample power is available for any situation. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph) it takes just 3.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph). Iron-lined cylinder barrels in the aluminum crankcase reduce friction for exceptionally smooth running. Automatically actuated flaps in the exhaust system underscore the impressive sound.
Sports car-level emotion and performance are paired with comfort and efficiency. The mild hybrid system (MHEV) works continuously to reduce fuel consumption. Its 48-volt belt alternator starter and the additional lithium-ion battery enable coasting with the engine switched off, fast restart and an extended start-stop range. Fuel savings of up to 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers are possible in everyday driving. The cylinder on demand system, which deactivates individual cylinders in low-load operating situations, provides for additional efficiency. The vehicle’s sound system features active noise cancellation to eliminate intrusive cabin noise for the ultimate in comfort.
Precise expression of sporty elegance: the design
The progressive, elegantly flowing exterior design of the model series gets some new accents with the new Audi S8**. Bold interior and exterior design elements finely hone the sporty character. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available for the 5.18 meter (17.0 ft) long sports sedan. Details on the front bumper, side sills and the exterior mirror housings as well as the two S-typical twin oval exhaust tailpipes emphasize the car’s sporty and progressive character. The black styling package is also available as an option. With this, all chrome elements – right down to the tailpipe trims – come in high-gloss black. Customers can choose from nine sophisticated color and design worlds, including the Audi design selection pastel silver, for the spacious interior, which conveys the relaxed atmosphere of a luxurious lounge. Here the upper inlay – new and available exclusively in the Audi S8** – is made of Carbon Vector and impresses with a special 3D depth effect. Directly below that is an inlay of dark, brushed matt aluminum. Lighting options range up to HD matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and OLED rear lights. In the major markets China, USA, Canada and South Korea, the Audi S8** will be available for the first time and exclusively with an extended wheelbase. The increased vehicle length and height means a significant increase in comfort for the occupants thanks to greater head and leg room.
Progressive and state-of-the-art: the equipment
Every detail of the new Audi S8** reflects its character as a sporty luxury model. One particular highlight are the standard comfort customized contour seats in sport look. They feature wide-ranging power adjustment, pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and separate three-stage heating for each seat. What is more, they are optionally available with ventilation and massage functions. Customers can choose between the top leather grades Valcona and Unikat. The rear seats also offer numerous features for outstanding comfort and provide for a first-class atmosphere in the Audi S8**.
The 38 driver assistance systems that Audi provides for the new S8** are divided into the City and Tour packages. Adaptive cruise assist – the central system in the “Tour” package – stands out among the comprehensive range of assist systems. It combines the functions of adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane tracking. In conjunction with predictive efficiency assist, adaptive cruise assist brakes and accelerates the Audi S8** in anticipation of the conditions ahead. In the City assist package, Audi pre sense side joins the systems pre sense front and pre sense rear to create Audi pre sense 360°. If the system detects an impending side impact, it can operate together with the predictive active suspension to instantly raise the body by as much as 80 millimeters (3.1 in). This brings the sill into a better position to absorb the impact energy, mitigating the potential consequences of the accident for the occupants.
The brain behind the driver assistance systems in the new S8** is a high-performance processing unit, the central driver assistance controller (zFAS). It continuously computes a differentiated model of the vehicle’s surroundings based on the data provided by the sensors. Fully equipped, there are five radar sensors, six cameras, twelve ultrasound sensors and a laser scanner on board.
Digital and intelligent: controls and connectivity
The new Audi S8** offers a progressive technology experience with new digital services and state-of-the-art connectivity. The MMI touch response operating concept is fully digital. The driver controls nearly all functions via two large displays. The driver can also use natural speech control, which offers virtually unlimited freedom when formulating questions and commands. The answers are provided either from information stored on board or from the cloud. Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice assistant, is also available as an option. All driving-relevant displays appear in the Audi virtual cockpit, which can be switched between two views. While the tachometer and speedometer are displayed as large dial-type gages in driving mode, the map is the center of attention in infotainment mode. Both views have S-specific red graphical details. A special S-performance layout for the Audi virtual cockpit where the central focus is the tachometer, displayed as a square graph, and the output and torque are shown as percentages can also be selected in the MMI. The optional head-up display can display important information on the windshield.
MMI navigation plus serves as the infotainment and media center in the new S8**. Besides the integration of the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, the extensive Audi connect range includes numerous car-to-X services that draw on the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet. Traffic light information is a new feature that Audi is adding successively in selected European cities. Thanks to the interconnection with the city’s infrastructure, the vehicle receives information from the central traffic light computer via a server, which allows the driver to select a speed to match the next green-light phase. The Audi virtual cockpit displays an individual speed recommendation as well as the remaining time until the next green-light phase if the driver is already waiting at a red light. The system thus contributes to a predictive and efficient driving style and facilitates a steady flow of traffic.
Online traffic sign information, hazard alerts and on‑street parking round out the range of car-to-X services. The myAudi app connects the car to the customer’s smartphone so that they can easily send destinations to the car from their couch. The Audi smartphone interface brings Android Auto and wirelessly Apple Car Play on board. High-end components such as the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and the Audi phone box round out the infotainment lineup in the new S8**.
For more information, please visit:
Audi-ME.com/S8
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