2020 Audi S8 Review: Bringing The Heat
You have to tip your hat to car manufacturers such as Audi for committing to the high-performance full-size sedan, a breed that is slowly, but surely losing relevance in a world dominated by hybrid creations that resemble part SUV, and part sports coupe. The S8, having taken a break in 2019, is back in full swing and packs a 563-horsepower punch from its new 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine. Power figures are lower than rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG S63, but Audi is well known for its ability to put the power down, and the result is a car that feels just as fast. The rest of the car is typically Audi: the quattro all-wheel-drive system is still in play, the interior is still refined, and the tech on offer is seriously impressive. The 2020 S8 brings the heat and is more than ready to bring the fight to Mercedes-AMG and BMW.
What's the Price of the 2020 Audi S8?
Owning a 2020 Audi S8 is a privilege only a few will ever get the chance to experience, and goes for more than most Americans make in a couple of years. This German brute will set you back an eye-watering $129,500, which excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $995. Tick all the options, and you'll end up with an Audi that costs closer to $180,000. For comparison's sake, the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan will set you back $151,600.
2020 S8 Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
209.0 in | 123.1 in | 58.5 in | 76.6 in | 64.1 in | 63.7 in | 5,302.0 lbs |
2020 S8 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
No one in their right mind would throw a standard A8 around a track and expect it to deliver record-breaking lap times. Audi's largest sedan offering is meant to chauffeur its passengers in serene comfort and class, and is not designed to clip apexes. That whole idea is thrown out of the window when it comes to the 2020 S8, which, despite its weight, will surprise with its handling capability. The active suspension system on offer in the S8 has been recalibrated from the standard A8 set up to deliver more dynamic performance. Throw the S8 into a set of bends, and it will respond with sharp and pointy steering and minimal body roll. Don't get us wrong; the S8 still makes its weight known through tight counters, but it makes up for it with masses of grip and strong corner exit acceleration. The large ventilated brakes offer good stopping power but start to fade when pushed to the limit. Thankfully Audi offers a ceramic upgrade.
2020 S8 Interior
2020 S8 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Audi S8 A Good car?
The 2020 Audi S8 occupies a very niche segment of the car market, and unlike Audi's range of smaller sedans, will prove harder to justify, especially in a world economy on the brink of a serious recession. If you forget about all that, the S8 absolutely shines. The exterior is typically restrained, as is the interior, but what new buyers can expect is a stunningly crafted product that feels every bit as good as its price tag suggests. The S8 will decimate the open road, but is civil enough to live with on a daily basis, and you can even have some fun in the corners. We like its tech-packed interior with its multitude of displays and the overall sense of premium craftsmanship. We applaud Audi for sticking to their guns: large luxury sedans with supercar levels of performance are cool as hell, and we hope that they never die.
What Audi S8 Model Should I Buy?
Well, there's only one S8 on offer, so you don't have to do much thinking, and if you're not happy with the bog-standard package, you can always hit up the options list. If we had the money in our bank account, we'd spec the S8 as follows. Starting with the exterior, we'd paint ours Vesuvius Gray metallic and get the 21-inch Audi Sport ten-Y-spoke design black finish wheels which requires one to also go for the Black Optic Package. On the inside, we'd get our seats upholstered in Merlot red, and go for the carbon fiber inlays. Delving into the package options, we would get the red brake calipers because why not, and we'd also get the Executive package which adds rear cross-traffic monitoring and Matrix-design LED headlights amongst others. With all these options selected, the final price comes in at $137,295.
2020 Audi S8 Comparisons
2020 Audi S8 vs Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan
Mercedes-AMG is another manufacturer that bucks the trend by offering a full-size luxury sedan with a performance-minded attitude. The Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan is a powerhouse of note and takes dynamic ability as seriously as it does comfort and luxury. Below the hood of the S63 Sedan lies a handcrafted 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 with 603 hp, which is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine might be more powerful, but it will sip less fuel than the Audi while delivering similar performance. The S63 has been around the block, but still manages to look good, and the same can be said for its beautifully designed interior that we would choose over that of the Audis any day of the week. Ride comfort is exceptional, and there's enough interior space to keep most happy. In terms of technology, the S63 can be intimidating: there's a dizzying amount on offer, and the list of standard safety gear is also top class. We do, however, find that the drive is not as involving, and a new S-Class is around the corner. Despite that, we would go with the Merc.
2020 Audi S8 vs BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a serious contender in the full-size luxury sedan class and is offered with a generous number of engine options. For comparison sake, we'll focus on the 750i xDrive Sedan. The 750i xDrive is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and will shove you back in your seat with furious efficiency. Unlike the S8, the 750i is less focused on all-out performance and places more importance on offering a comfortable, and luxurious driving experience. On the road, the BMW offers good feedback and is dynamically one of the best in its class. As with the other premium full-size sedan offerings from Audi and Mercedes-AMG, the BMW includes a ton of standard features inside and out, but it's in the cabin that the BMW truly shines. The cabin design is a cross between the restrained Audi and the more opulent Mercedes-AMG S63, and we think it works well. Unfortunately, BMW has left Android Auto out of the mix, and Apple CarPlay is only available on a subscription. If you're looking for a more dynamic experience, then the less expensive BMW 750i xDrive is the one to get.