October 30, 2017

Audi S8 is the executive saloon with quality interior, big performance on the road and frugal engines

Introduction:

The Audi S8 is an executive limo with incredible pace and hardly believable traction. It is supported on the standard A8 and sits at the peak of the Audi model range – all above the A4 and A6 saloons. It remains a niche choice, but for some, it's the eventual example of understated wealth. A Mercedes S-Class is a more recent, better resolved car, whereas the BMW 7 Series is debatably more fun to drive. That said, the Audi's twin-turbo V8 is a real gem, making it hard to disregard the S8's brutish, muscle car charm.

Engines:

Though the Audi S8 uses the similar 4.2-Litre twin-turbo V8 as the slighter S6 and S7 models, the engine's power output has been amplified to an unbelievable 513bhp and 650Nm of torque. This makes it blisteringly speedy in a straight line, but all thanks to the standard-fit quattro four-wheel drive smart system and adaptable air suspension, it also provides up plenty of grip in the corners. That said, there's no evading the fact that this a comprehensive two-tonne car and at times it appears, like too much weight for the brakes and steering to cope up with. Plus, as the S8 comes along with a very witty active noise cancellation system that makes it almost silent at cruising speed, it simply means the S8 isn't as appealing as an AMG-badged Mercedes S-Class and it’s not as comfy either. Those hoping even more from their executive Audi, can choose the bonkers S8 Plus version. It uses an up rated version of the standard vehicle's twin-turbo V8 engine – generating a scarcely authentic 597bhp and 750Nm of torque. It'll achieve 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds and strike 189mph along with the Dynamic Package fitted. That makes it faster than an entrance-level Porsche 911.

Reliability and Safety:

As the S8 uses a fresh engine, the gearbox and four-wheel-drive systems, both are used in the standard car – so should prove reliable in the long term. There's an extensive variety of complicated electronics on board, too, but Audi has a well-deserved reputation for reliability that opponents like Jaguar can't really fight with. That said, in spite of this strong tradition the brand just returns average scores in the yearly Driver Power survey and finished 13th – behind Mercedes but forward to BMW in the overall standings in 2015. Safety should not be a fear in the S8, however, as its aluminum space framework is very well-built and technology, like pre-sense system and two-stage traction control that prepares the car for a smash by tightening the seat belts and closing the windows, are incorporated as standard. Features like a night-vision smart camera and radar-guided cruise control are also obtainable.

Warranty:

The Audi S8 enhances the same comprehensive warranty as the rest of the whole product range, meaning you acquire the matching three-year/60,000-mile guarantee as you would on a decent A1 supermini. You can expand this to four years/75,000 miles for almost £1,035 or five years/90,000 miles for £2,555. You'll require deep pockets to run an S8, along with those warranty costs like to that of the R8 supercar.