AUDI Australia welcomes the arrival of the pinnacle of its luxury sedan range, in the all new fifth generation Audi S8. This extraordinary sports limousine is the ultimate statement of power, cutting-edge technology and dynamic athleticism.
At the very heart of the Audi S8 is its monumental 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers, generating an earth turning power output of 420kW and 800Nm of torque.
This crushing performance catapults the S8 to 100km/h from rest in just 3.8 seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 250km/h. 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, resuming within milliseconds when required. All of this contributes to its impressive up to 10.5-litres/100km fuel consumption.
The audacious roar of the engine has a distinctive texture to its sound, thanks to the 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 firing sequence. This symphony is amplified through the S8’s dual exhaust system, and is easily controlled via Audi drive select.
To harness the engine’s incredible power, the S8 is equipped with a fast shifting eight speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via the legendary Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
One of most advanced suspension systems in the world features in the S8 flagship, offering remarkable dynamic versatility, from the luxurious ride comfort expected from a limousine to the physics defying dynamics only seen in thoroughbred sports cars.
For the first time ever in an Audi, predictive active suspension technology debuts standard in the S8.
The innovative new system works in combination with multiple sensors throughout the car, including the video camera, to influence and actively control the S8’s body, seamlessly adapting to the road conditions.
Visually, the S8 boasts a sporty elegance with a striking exterior design. The wide, upright Singleframe grille complements the S8’s flowing and muscular body with its contoured roofline.
Quad-oval tailpipes sit beneath the sculptured rear bumper, with rhomboid pattern insert and contrasting diffuser. Sophisticated lighting technology enhances the overall aesthetics, with HD Matrix LED headlights, dynamic indicators and Audi laser light as standard.
Each headlight contains 138 light-emitting diodes with 32 small adjustable LEDs that illuminate the road ahead. From speeds of up to 70km/h, Audi laser light can be activated, doubling the range of the high beam for enhanced clarity and safety.
Together with the HD Matrix LED headlights, the S8 offers standard OLED rear lights, emitting a distinctive dynamic sequence at the front and rear, via the remote control key.
Alongside the sophisticated lighting system on the S8, new adaptive windscreen wipers feature as standard, boasting optimum visibility of the road. Intuitively, the cleaning fluid is projected directly in front of the wiper blades.
The athletic character of the S8 is further enhanced with a range of standard features including 21-inch aluminium wheels, accentuated with red brake calipers, metallic paint and privacy glass for the rear windows.
Intuitive technology and exceptional connectivity underpins the unique driving experience on the S8, with the seamless integration of Audi smartphone interface via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With its crystal clear resolution, a beautifully crafted display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard and is a powerful platform that commands all manner of convenient ‘touch or talk’ driving, infotainment and connectivity functions.
The Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (17 speakers, 730W) is a symphonic feast for audiophiles. Additionally, the S8 offers a rear seat remote control and Audi music interface with two USB outlets in the backseat for passengers to connect their devices.
Inside the cabin, the S8 is exquisitely crafted, delivering an enriching experience for both the driver and those who prefer to be driven.
Before the driver or passenger even enters the cabin, the S8’s predictive active suspension lifts by 50mm when a door handle is opened, making entry and exit far more comfortable.
The interior is upholstered in Valcona leather, complete with an elegant arrangement of 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.
The colour interior lighting setting creates a peaceful ambience with a unique selection of options available, dependent on the mood.
Stainless steel pedals and the extended leather upholstery package, spanning from the centre console through to the door railings add to the cabin’s sophisticated air.
Comfort and convenience items are a real highlight in this segment, but the S8 exceeds expectations with highlights including electric outer rear seats with memory and heating functionality, as well as two panel sunroof and electric sun blinds.
Exclusively offered within the A8 and S8 are the new Matrix LED reading lights in the rear, giving passengers the opportunity to complete work assignments on the journey home or on the way to meetings.
On top of this, a full suite of driver assistance systems are standard in the S8. Highlight features include park assist, 360-degree cameras for outstanding visibility when manoeuvring, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist.
There’s also exit warning, rear cross traffic assist, an adjustable speed limiter and lane change warning detection, offering a range of functions such as side assist, turn assist, collision avoidance assist and efficiency assist with a haptic accelerator pedal.
One notable passive safety feature in all A8 vehicles, including the S8, is the front centre airbag. During the event of a side impact, or if the vehicle rolls over during a collision, the centre airbag is deployed for increased protection inside the cabin.
A selection of eleven exterior colours are available on the new S8, as well as six interior trim colour schemes. The S8 is offered with the comprehensive five year Audi service plan package, and will be available in dealerships from October.
