[TXSTYLE]

I want this car in the baddest of ways... I love everything about this vehicle except for the bland/conservative styling. It lacks curbside appeal. But I believe behind the wheel and in the seat of a fantastic interior (see the Velano Brown I included below), and all of that power under my right foot... I'd be perfectly content.

Congratulations, that big promotion finally came through, and along with it, a new company car. So go big or go home. Never mind the modest A8 L, with the sensible six-cylinder. The Earth-moving A8 L with its powerful W12, perhaps? No way. You didn't get to the top by being timid or ostentatious, so you choose the new-for-2016 S8 Plus, with a 605-horsepower version of Audi's 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8, available with an $11,000 Dynamic package that adds ceramic brakes, a sportier exhaust, a rear carbon fiber lip spoiler so tiny you are surprised it does anything, and a boost in governed top speed from 155 miles per hour to 190. Yeah, that's the ticket.

The 85-horse boost in power over the outgoing S8 comes from different valve timing, new exhaust valves, and modified turbochargers. The S8 Plus is docile enough around town to carpool to the company luncheons, but point it towards some wide open spaces, and it's a blistering executive express.

Driving Notes

Much of our Florida test was done in conditions ranging from damp to deluge. Despite the fact that the Audi had summer tires on its 21-inch wheels, the S8 was startlingly sure-footed. Thanks, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a set of better-than-expected Dunlop tires.
Power is linear and progressive, and the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission is prepared to downshift at a moment's notice, but is never busy or intrusive. We seldom used the manual shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
The comparison between the Dodge Charger Hellcat and this S8 Plus is admittedly absurd, but they are big, heavy, four-door cars with monster motors. And while the Hellcat wants you to hear and feel every engine revolution and supercharger whine, the S8 Plus does all it can to shield you from the drama taking place under the hood. Which is why you look down and suddenly you're going 90.
"Dynamic steering" allows for adjustments in steering feel, and we weren't fans in the stiffest setting – it felt notchy and artificial. Comfort mode felt more natural and still gives you all the feedback you need.
"Adaptive sport air suspension," though, we had no problem with. It makes short work of potholes and irregular pavement, but firms up when you are cornering – admittedly, in Florida, we had to seek out the rare corners. This is a state with roads designed using a T-square.
The aluminum body weighs just 510 pounds. The overall weight of 4,685 pounds, though, means there is still a lot of mass to slow down and steer through corners. At least that mass is concentrated down low, helping reduce body roll. The weight, though, makes for a superb highway ride – solid and unshakable.
There's a Black Optic exterior package that includes carbon fiber mirror housings, a black single-frame grille, window surrounds, a carbon front spoiler blade, diffuser trim, and darkened taillights. We like it, but aren't sure about the matte silver paint, which was certainly striking, but we'd hate to ask the corner body shop to match it after a fender-bender.
Nobody does interiors better than Audi. This S8 Plus has a logical, convenient inventory of gauges and controls, understated but high-quality. Front seats were firm and supportive and adjustable enough to make most any sized passenger comfortable.
The S8 Plus, incidentally, is offered in standard wheelbase length only (117.8 inches), while the other A8 models are offered as long-wheelbase (122.9 inches). Still, the rear seat room wasn't bad, and trunk space was more than adequate.


A luxury car capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and still docile enough to carpool for those business luncheons to celebrate your promotion? Yeah, that's the right choice. Power isn't always everything, but in this case, the S8 Plus is definitely the A8 we'd have.

[Red Bread]

Why do the headrests have toupees? Can you put your weed in them?

RS6 Avant over this all day, but that's true of most things.

[kprocivic]

Damn that's kinda cool.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Why do the headrests have toupees? Can you put your weed in them?

RS6 Avant over this all day, but that's true of most things.

Even the headrests have power adjustable parts.

45-way power adjustable seats most likely. Will the madness ever end?

[TXSTYLE]

The headrests have power adjustments so that I can ponder the many complexities of my next decision...

[TXSTYLE]

That gaping front grill is not nearly so noticeable with the S8 plate in place.

[paliknight]

Transporter lugging around a 4700 pound boat?

[buddalun]

Usually do not like Audi. Like this.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

I want this car in the baddest of ways...

Whoa, me too, ....the things I would do...
Looks fantastic too, inside and out.

[GuidoK]

Does it still have the engine way in front of the front axle?

[Blksnowflake]

Pass!
RS6 everyday all day, no question for me. And since the effing retards at Audi keep giving us these cheap pieces of shit "S" models and not the full RS models, they can get bent. I don't like being tossed scraps while the rest of the EU get the full RS beasts....I'd easily choose that new BMW 7 series with the V12 engine because....V12.

[FriskyDingo]

I'd take this over any BMW by a landslide.

[gonzo]

Beast limo.

The new 7, good reviews though, looks like pump tent.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by FriskyDingo

I'd take this over any BMW by a landslide.

Just curious, what makes you choose this over an M760i or a B7?

I don't think you can go wrong either way, I am just wondering what people like about one over the other.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Just curious, what makes you choose this over an M760i or a B7?

I don't think you can go wrong either way, I am just wondering what people like about one over the other.

Ugly.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Just curious, what makes you choose this over an M760i or a B7?

I don't think you can go wrong either way, I am just wondering what people like about one over the other.

The styling, primarily, both inside and out. Particularly inside. The Audi just has a stunning interior that is befitting it's price tag. I feel the 7, even the new one, doesn't match it.

[iki4life]

s class>a8>7 series

s class- the epitome of luxury...the best finish inside and out

a8- the most exclusive of the 3...you dont see as many on the road

7 series- to me, its the most disappointing...i dont like the styling at all..i think bmw could have done a much, much better job at competing

[mkoesel]

I like this over an RS7 because sleeper and because cheaper.

[DC-T]

Look! Fast Passat! I mean Jetta! I mean Skoda...never mind. Another fast Volkswagen-looking thing. Yawn.

[brianeck]

I find it really funny that all 3 of the German brands went from "cool integrated nav screens" to "glued on IPads." Am I the only one who greatly preferred the "built in" look? My e90 3 series had a vastly better looking GPS system with a cowl over the top to prevent glare, and my 650 and my f80 both have a glued on Ipad. Seems Audi followed suit (Merc has the most "stuck on" looking of the bunch).

*At least it looks like the Audi MAY be an up/down screen, but that seems pretty unnecessary to me, since there doesn't appear to be any other display for radio etc so it effectively has to be up all the time anyway.

[GuidoK]

No I also prefer the build in look. Maybe even with a screen opening up, like in the E89.

I also don't like the large screens with touch knobs. I like a physical knob or dial, with tactile feedback. So no tesla screen. That also distracts from driving (and is thus ment for people who arent engaged with driving and are more focussed on gadget and toys... while driving....doh).

I usually think alfa romeo interiors look really cool.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I like this over an RS7 because sleeper and because cheaper.

Don't forget: Faster, Roomier and even more Exclusive!