Audi’s fifth-generation Audi S8, described by its maker as a “sports limousine”, is now in Australia.
The cabin is upholstered in Valcona leather, complete with carbon vector and dark brushed aluminium inlays. A Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system has 17 speakers and a peak output of 730 Watts. It has a rear seat remote control and Audi music interface.
Powered outer rear seats with memory and heating functionality are operable from the rear remote control.
Driver assistance systems include park assist, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist; exit warning and rear cross traffic assist; lane change warning; side assist, turn assist, and collision avoidance assist.
Audi S8 is powered by a 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers. It power peaks at 420kW and there’s 800Nm of torque from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm. It has a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds.
The 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.
New S8 has a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission that drives through a quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed: 40:60, front:rear. Up to 85 percent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for sporty handling. The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
Predictive active suspension technology uses multiple sensors throughout the car, including the video camera, to influence and actively control the S8’s body, seamlessly adapting to the road conditions. In ‘Comfort plus’ mode, the system reduces the effect of g-forces felt by passengers by ‘leaning’ into the pitch/roll inertia movements of the car. In dynamic mode, this effect delivers outstanding cornering.
Each headlight contains 138 light-emitting diodes with 32 small adjustable LEDs that illuminate the road ahead. From speeds of up to 70 km/h, Audi laser light can be activated, doubling the range of the high beam for enhanced clarity and safety.
“The all-new Audi S8 is the technological flagship, the halo of our sedan range and the ultimate in luxurious performance,” said Paul Sansom, the MD of Audi Australia.
“The new-generation S8 is a dynamic masterpiece, equipped with a truly astonishing suite of advanced technologies that ensure it makes a powerful statement, even at the upper end of this exclusive segment. The S8, in every way, is the epitome of our Vorsprung durch Technik philosophy,” said Sansom.
New Audi S8 is priced at $260,000 plus on-road costs.