Audi S8
Purchase price from $130,000
Expert rating
6 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
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Car and Driver
Car and Driver rates the Audi S8 among the top luxury performance sedans, giving it a 4.5 out of 5. The publication praises the S8's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which produces 563 horsepower in current models (571 in the TFSI variants), and notes a 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.4 seconds. They highlight the predictive active suspension system, which scans the road ahead and adjusts dampers for an exceptionally smooth yet composed ride. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system provides tenacious grip in all conditions, and the cabin is described as a masterclass in understated luxury, with sporty touches like diamond-stitched leather and carbon fiber trim. Criticisms include the significant price premium over the standard A8, the heavy curb weight that dulls ultimate agility, and a driving experience that feels less engaging than rivals such as the BMW M760i or Mercedes-AMG S63. Overall, Car and Driver recommends it for buyers prioritizing comfort and effortless speed over razor-sharp dynamics.
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Motor Trend
Motor Trend's review of the Audi S8 focuses on its dual personality as a luxury limousine and a capable performance machine. The editors note that the S8 accelerates with "violent smoothness," crediting the eight-speed automatic and Quattro system for seamless power delivery. They are particularly impressed with the optional laser headlights and the rear-axle steering that makes the large sedan feel more maneuverable in tight corners. However, Motor Trend criticizes the S8's steering feedback as somewhat numb and points out that while the air suspension is brilliant, it can feel floaty at high speeds in Comfort mode. The interior receives high marks for build quality, front seat comfort, and the Virtual Cockpit digital display, though backseat space is noted as merely adequate rather than limousine-like. Fuel economy is poor, as expected from a V8 in this weight class. Motor Trend concludes the S8 is a superb grand tourer but not a true sports sedan, earning a 4.0 out of 5.
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Edmunds
Edmunds gives the Audi S8 an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, describing it as "the A8 for drivers who refuse to compromise." The review highlights the effortless thrust from the twin-turbo V8, the refined eight-speed automatic, and the standard adaptive air suspension that balances comfort with body control. Edmunds praises the interior for its craftsmanship, quietness at highway speeds, and intuitive MMI infotainment system with dual touchscreens. The predictive suspension earns special mention for virtually eliminating road imperfections. Edmunds does note drawbacks: the S8's price can quickly exceed $130,000 with options, the trunk is modest for the class, and rear-seat headroom is tight for tall passengers due to the sloping roofline. The test team also observed brake fade during aggressive track driving, though this is an unlikely use case for most buyers. Edmunds recommends the S8 for luxury sedan shoppers who want V8 power without the harshness typically associated with performance models.
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Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book's review of the Audi S8 scores it 4.2 out of 5, calling it "one of the most refined high-performance sedans available." KBB praises the combination of the 563-horsepower V8, standard Quattro all-wheel drive, and the optional active suspension that uses cameras to anticipate road conditions. The review notes the S8's interior is beautifully appointed with premium materials and exceptional noise insulation, making it nearly silent at cruising speeds. KBB highlights features like the massaging front seats, head-up display, and the advanced driver assistance suite, which the editors describe as "among the best in the business." They caution that while the S8 is exhilarating in a straight line, it lacks the steering feel and chassis feedback of performance rivals, and the infotainment learning curve is steeper than competitors' systems. Residual value is also a concern given the luxury segment's depreciation. KBB ultimately recommends the S8 for executives and enthusiasts seeking a discreet, fast, and supremely comfortable daily driver.
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Nearby Now
Nearby Now is a reputation management and review-generation platform rather than a source of editorial car reviews. The page describes a service that helps businesses collect positive customer reviews by sending immediate review requests after a job is completed, with clients reportedly achieving a review response rate above 40%. It integrates with Google Business Profile, Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms, and claims to improve local SEO by building a "reputation footprint" of check-ins and reviews. The platform allows businesses to schedule and export reports on reviews, team activity, and customer data, and offers team leaderboards and live team maps in its mobile apps. It also routes happy customers to preferred local review sites, including Google+ Local, Merchant's Circle, YP, and Angie's List. A sample customer testimonial from "Carissa - Easton, PA" describes "Excellent service." The content is focused on helping businesses gain more reviews, not on providing expert assessments of vehicles such as the Audi S8. Therefore, this source is not useful for evaluating the S8's performance, comfort, or reliability, and no star rating for the car can be derived from it.
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Reviews.io
REVIEWS.io is an ecommerce review software platform that helps online brands collect, manage, and display verified customer reviews, user-generated content, and survey feedback. The page highlights features such as custom review invitation flows, branded collection pages, AI-powered response suggestions, and analytics that reveal customer preferences and friction points. It explains that businesses can collect both company reviews and product reviews, then display them on websites, emails, and ads to build trust. The service offers a 14-day free trial, month-to-month billing, and flexible plans based on the number of review invitations sent. The FAQ notes that brands can use REVIEWS.io alongside Trustpilot or switch over, with product reviews importable. This is a B2B tool for managing reviews, aimed at merchants and marketers, not a publication that produces automotive road tests. It contains no information about the Audi S8, its engine options, handling, cabin quality, or pricing. Therefore, it cannot provide a rating or substantive assessment of the S8, and no relevant evaluation can be derived from this source.
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