S8

Make
Audi
Segment
Sedan

Consider the 2016 Audi S8 Plus as something of a placeholder until an all-new A8 arrives in a few years' time. And yet there's no reason whatsoever to complain. That's because the S8 Plus has 605 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque coming from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The regular S8 is rated at 520 hp. For further comparison, the Mercedes S63 AMG has 577 hp while the S65 AMG spits out 621 hp. Porsche Panamera Turbo S? 570 ponies. Did we mention the S8 Plus was an absolute beast?

Audi achieved the power jump by, among other things, modifying the exhaust valves and the inner geometry of the turbocharger. That power is sent to all four wheels via the familiar eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. According to Audi, the S8 Plus will make the leap from 0-62 mph in only 3.8 seconds while top speed remains electronically limited to 155 mph. Customers, however, can have that raised to 190 mph. We recommend this highly. Exterior enhancements include a gloss black single-frame grille, while the honeycomb structure of the side air inlets and radiator screen are matte black. The headlights feature Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn signals.

The interior comes in all-black leather with contrasting red stitching while the center console is done in piano black. Even the footrest and pedals are covered in stainless steel. Other standard equipment includes the Alcantara package, power-assisted door closing, sensor-driven luggage compartment locking, and a premium sound system. The Audi S8 Plus will go on sale in Europe this November with a starting price of 145,000 Euros. No word yet on whether it's due stateside.