Audi S8 plus 2016 Review

Audi S8 plus sedan
Australian Launch Review
Phillip Island, Victoria

Audi has wedged its majestic 445kW/750Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 from the new RS 6 and RS 7 'performance' flagships into its most powerful A8 ever and its most powerful S model ever -- the S8 'plus' super-limousine. Of course, that also makes Audi's new performance-luxury leader the quickest A8 and S models ever, but it comes at a cost. Now on sale in addition to the standard S8, which remains priced at $280,610 plus on-road costs, Audi's new flagship limousine is priced at $330,500 – mid-way between its only two direct rivals, the Jaguar XJR (from $300,275) and Mercedes-AMG S 63 (from $386,910).

Forget the silly 'plus' badge; this is the Audi RS 8 by another name.

Understandably, Audi was loathe to sully its high-performance RS moniker by applying it to a limousine, but under its bonnet is the same ballistic turbo V8 that powers Audi's hottest and priciest RS models.

Unlike the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance, the S8 plus arrives in addition to the model on which it's based, bringing considerably more performance and a pricetag that's almost $50,000 higher.

Fuel consumption also increases, from 9.6 to 10.2L/100km.

But the stratospheric $330K ask is more palatable when you consider the 63kW/100Nm increase in outputs over the standard S8's 4.0 TFSI V8 (382kW/650Nm).

That's about double the increase offered by the RS performance models, which add an extra 33kW/50Nm for about $16,000 more than the discontinued RS 6 and 7.

It's the same when it comes to acceleration, the more powerful bent eight bellowing the S8 plus to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds, which almost defies physics for a 1990kg limo.

That's less than it would be if the A8 wasn't based on a spaceframe chassis made almost entirely of aluminium, which reduces its weight to a class-leading 231kg.

At just a tenth of a second slower to 100km/h than the RS 6 and 7 performance models, the S8 plus also beats the S 63 AMG (4.0sec) by two-tenths, the standard S8 (4.1sec) by three-tenths and the XJR (4.6sec) by almost a second.

On the road, the S8 plus feels every bit that quick, rooting all of its 750Nm of torque into the tarmac via its clingy all-wheel drive system and broad 21-inch rubber to deliver astonishing standing-start acceleration for any sedan, let alone one this big and heavy.

Even more impressive is the mountain of midrange torque, which delivers foot-down rolling acceleration more like a space shuttle in any gear, making for effortless overtaking capability accompanied by an epic metallic soundtrack.

In fact, while we only drove the RS performance models on track at Phillip Island, on a twisty rural drive loop the S8 plus felt even quicker in a straight line, perhaps because of the lower speeds involved and perhaps because no car that measures almost 5.15 metres long and comes with a 520-litre boot has a right to feel so damn quick.

Interestingly, the S 63 AMG's twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 slams out even more torque (900Nm) and weighs almost as much (1970kg), while the XJR is much lighter (1880kg) but its blown 5.0-litre V8 offers less torque (680Nm).

So it's clear the Audi's AWD system and slick eight-speed auto do a great job of harnessing the beefy outputs of the quick-revving V8, which delivers a healthy 700Nm over a wide 1750-6000rpm, and an even more muscular in overboost mode over 2500-5500rpm.

There's the option of upping the 250km/h top speed limit to 305km/h, which makes this luxury limousine not only spectacularly quick, but properly fast.

The S8 plus isn't only about performance though. The 'plus' is differentiated from the standard S8 by a number of cosmetic upgrades, led outside by matt-titanium 21-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn indicators and a high-gloss black exterior package with carbon-fibre accents on the front spoiler and rear diffuser. A carbon rear wing costs $2100 extra, while carbon side mirrors caps add $3600.

As standard, there's a sport exhaust system with quad high-gloss black tail pipes (a $3150 option on the regular S8), plus Audi's quattro sports differential at the rear of the all-wheel drive system, which features torque vectoring, a nominal 60 per cent rear torque bias and can send up to 85 per cent of power to either axle. Dynamic Shift Program and shift paddles are also standard.

Inside, there's Valcona leather upholstery highlighted by Arras red contrasting stitching, along with a unique carbon-fibre red twill inlay, additional leather touches and contrasting stitching. A new matte Florett silver colour is also available by special order, as are gloss anthracite black wheels.

Its opulent cabin is whisper-quiet thanks to noise-reduction measures like active engine mounts and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm for the BOSE surround sound system. It can be made even quieter by ticking the option box for double-glazed windows ($4390).

Standard equipment includes head-up display, digital TV and DAB+ radio, heated and ventilated front comfort sport seats with massage function, Alcantara roof lining and parcel shelf, and a full leather package including the upper and lower dashboard, upper and lower door trims, door armrests, door pockets, glove compartment, knee pads, front seat backs and head restraints ($14,900 in the standard S8).

Other mechanical upgrades include plus-specific tuning for the five-height adaptive sport air suspension and dynamic steering, as well as active lane, side assist and park assist systems, and Audi parking system plus with front, rear and 360-degree view.

The equipment list goes on with adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, Audi pre sense plus, power-assisted door closure and Audi connect.

Braking is via 390/356mm discs front/rear, but for a cool $23,100 there's the option of upgrading to 420/370mm ceramic rotors.

Buyers can choose from no less than eight interior inlay styles for no extra cost, but the extensive cost-option list includes a sunroof ($1150), heated rear seats ($2350), night vision with pedestrian protection ($5970), rear seat entertainment ($9900), 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound ($14,500) and even matt-effect paint ($14,000).

No, not everyone wants matt paint, a 1400-Watt sound system or ceramic brakes, but we reckon everything else should be standard for $330K.

That would make the S8 plus not only the quickest and fastest limousine on the market, but the best value too.

After all, with just 72 sold in Australia last year, compared to 93 BMW 7 Series and 330 Mercedes S-Classes, Audi's top-shelf A8 sedan needs all the fruit it can offer to stay on shopping lists before it's replaced next year.

2016 Audi S8 plus pricing and specifications:
Price: $330,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8
Output: 445kW/700Nm (750Nm in overboost)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 237g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (Euro NCAP)

Also consider:
>> Jaguar XJR (from $300,275)
>> Mercedes-AMG S 63 (from $386,910)