2021 Audi S8 Review

　　

2021 Audi S8 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Audi's S8 takes the luxurious and tech-forward A8 luxury sedan and turns it into a true sport sedan. With a twin-turbo V8 thumping out 563 horsepower and a sport-tuned all-wheel-drive system, the S8 offers astonishing performance without compromising any of its considerable comfort. Fresh off a recent redesign, not much has changed for the 2021 S8, but the once optional summer performance tires are now standard equipment.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi S8 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$277/mo  for S8 Base

　　S8 Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $130,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The S8 also benefits from rear-wheel steering, which makes this big sedan not only more maneuverable in tight spaces but also improves high-speed handling and stability. If you'd prefer not to drive, and instead be driven, the S8 can be configured with reclining rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage capability. Foldout trays and footrests are also available, of course.

　　You might think that German manufacturers have the fast executive sedan on lockdown. Options such as the BMW-based Alpina B7, Porsche's Panamera GTS and the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz S-Class are so good it seems almost pointless to look elsewhere for a super sedan. But if you're feeling brave and want a bit of extra style, Maserati's new Quattroporte Trofeo offers similar performance along with distinctive Italian flair.

　　

Which S8 does zzdcar recommend?

We wouldn't shy away from recommending the S8, which comes well equipped, without the need for additional options. If you really want to impress any future passengers, we'd suggest the Executive package for the additional driver aids and full leather interior, as well as the Four Passenger Rear Seat Comfort package and the upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system.

　　

2021 Audi S8 models

The 2021 Audi S8 is a performance version of the A8 large luxury sedan. It's powered by a  turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft) that puts its power to an all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Highlighted features include:

　　S8

　　Comes well equipped with:

　　21-inch wheels with summer performance tires Adaptive suspension dampers with road-sensing (uses a camera to scan the road ahead and prepare the adaptive suspension dampers for upcoming ruts and bumps) Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut) Panoramic sunroof Hands-free trunk opener Auto-dimming rearview and exterior mirrors Faux suede headliner Carbon-fiber trim Heated steering wheel Heated armrests Four-zone climate controlTechnology features for the S8 include:

　　Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Configurable ambient lighting Heated and ventilated front seats with massage 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen Navigation system 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system Satellite radio Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto smartphone integration Wireless charging padThe S8 also comes standard with advanced driver aids such as:

　　360-degree camera (gives you a top-down view of the S8 for tight parking situations) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)Though the S8 is well equipped right out of the gate, quite a few feature packages and stand-alone options are available. Notable ones to look out for include:

　　Executive package LED and laser headlights Extended leather trim Heated rear outboard seats Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the S8 and the car in front) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Five Passenger Rear Seat Comfort package Heated rear armrests Rear outboard seats with lumbar adjustment, memory, ventilation and massage Four Passenger Rear Seat Comfort package Four-seat configuration Heated rear armrests Rear outboard seats with lumbar adjustment, memory, ventilation and massage Footrest for rear passenger-side seat Extra rear power outlet Additional rear airbag Rear center console with foldout tables Black Optic package Unique black-painted wheels Summer performance tires Black exterior trim Stand-alone options include:

　　Red brake calipers Night vision camera (displays an infrared image of the area in front of the vehicle to assist while driving at night) 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

　　

2021 S8 Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$130,900
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$277/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles