Performance meets luxury with the all-new Audi S8
2021 has been a very busy year for Audi, the RS family has been overly extended, and now the S8 has officially landed in South Africa. Combing luxury and power, the S8 promises to be one of the most exhilarating sedans to ever brace the Audi market. The S8’s all-powerful V8 engine will be combined with mild-hybrid technology. It will produce a power output of 420kW and 800 Nm of torque. Audi has claimed that the S8 can rocket from 0-100 in just 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The benefits of the mild hybrid system (MHEV) being installed is that it will continuously work to reduce the fuel consumption. The 48-volt belt alternator starter and the additional lithium-ion battery will allow the vehicle to be cruising even when the engine is switched off. Audi claims that fuel savings will be up to 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The S8’s sound system will also feature active noise cancellation to eliminate any unwanted cabin noise, ensuring that both the driver and passengers have maximum comfort.
The S8 will also come standard with a predictive active suspension. This high-tech system will work in combination with the air suspension, it will be able to either lift or push down each wheel separately through the electromechanical actuators. This will then make it possible for one to actively control the trim of the body in any driving situation, therefore reducing pitch or roll during acceleration or braking. As expected, the S8 will feature the Audi drive select system that offers five profiles to choose from. A new profile called “Comfort +” mode has also been made too and promises to even help things like cornering become a comfortable experience. The S8 will further redefine what can be physically possible for a vehicle and that is thanks to its dynamic-all-wheel steering. This will allow independent adjustment to both the steering angles at the front and rear axles.
Like all Audi’s, the S8 will exude class and elegance throughout its bold exterior design. Its outside will feature new accents that have never been seen before. Detailing on the front bumper, side sills, and exterior mirror housing will emphasize the S8’s sporty design. The upper inlay, which is available exclusively to the S8 will be made from Carbon Vector, this will further impress its special 3D depth effect. Lighting options on the S8 will range from its standard HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals to Audi’s laser light and OLED rear lights as an optional extra. The rear too looks just as mean with its two S-typical twin oval exhaust tailpipes capturing its dominant character. The black styling package will be available as an option too. With this, all chrome elements right down to the tailpipe trims will come in high-gloss black. An optional extended black styling package will be made optional too, this sees the Audi rings and nameplate appear in glossy black as well.
Inside, the S8 will come equipped with individually contoured comfort sports seats. The upholstery will come available in fine Valcona leather. The rear seats too will offer numerous comfort features, providing passengers a first-class experience with the Audi S8. An intelligent park assist 360° camera, and heads-up display are just among the few standard safety equipment found in the S8. As expected, the S8 will come with state-of-the-art connectivity. The highly advanced MMI touch response operating concept has now become fully digital. Nearly all the driver controls will function through its two large displays. All driving-relevant displays will appear in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus, and be switched between two views. The S8’s cabin will also come equipped MMI navigation plus which will serve as the infotainment and media centre.
The latest Audi S8 is currently available across South Africa and will be sold with a five-year Audi Freeway Plan.
Pricing (inclusive of all taxes)
Audi S8 TFSI quattro R2 484 000