New Audi S8 blasts back into Australia

The Audi S8 has roared back onto Australian roads with a scintillating new turbo V8, a high-tech luxury interior and all the latest semi-autonomous driving aids.

Based on the fourth-generation Audi A8 L limousine launched here in mid-2018, the new 2021 Audi S8 is considerably cheaper than before.

The last time the Audi S8 was available Down Under, in 2017, pricing started at around $280,000 -- but the new model costs $260,000 (plus on-road costs).

For that considerable outlay you get a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that bangs out supercar-like power and torque: 420kW at 6000rpm and 800Nm over 2000-4500rpm.

Despite tipping the scales at an obese 2.3 tonnes, the high-performance land yacht accelerates to 100km/h in a sports sedan-humbling 3.8 seconds.

The most expensive version of the German brand’s Audi A8 flagship sedan comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, a self-locking centre diff, sports rear diff with torque vectoring across the rear axle and a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is claimed to be 10.5L/100km.

Rivals for the high-powered Audi S8 include the more expensive Mercedes-AMG S 63L ($392,835) and the V12-powered BMW M760Li xDrive ($383,900). Unlike Audi, both German brands also offer cheaper turbo V8-powered versions of their extra-large luxury cars in the BMW 750Li xDrive ($277,900) and Mercedes-Benz S 560 ($283,335).

The smarter, more powerful and more luxurious Mk4 Audi S8 super-limo gets plenty of equipment, as you’d expect for close to $300K once on-road costs are added. Included are HD Matrix LED/laser headlights, OLED tail-lights, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, 21-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 R21 tyres and predictive active air suspension.

The latter combines with infinitely variable adaptive dampers and an active rear anti-roll bar to ensure a smooth ride with minimal body roll.

The latest Audi A8 and S8 will virtually drive itself thanks to autonomous driver aids such like active lane assist, side assist with cross traffic assist, collision avoidance assist and turn assist, intersection crossing assist, blind spot warning, a self-parking system and autonomous emergency braking that works between five and 250km/h.

Tinted windows are standard equipment, naturally, along with power-closing doors, a panoramic glass sunroof, 360-degree cameras with kerb-view function, plus Valcona leather upholstery with power-adjustable, heated, cooled and massaging front seats.

Cabin accents are offered in brushed aluminium or carbon vector and adjustable LED mood lighting is part of the cabin package, along with two fragrances to cover up noxious odours, the virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and twin touch-screen infotainment system.

The 2021 Audi S8 also comes with a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System as standard, but there are several option packs that can take things up a notch, such as the $13,900 sensory package. This adds a 1820W Bang & Olufsen Advanced 3D sound system with 23 speakers, electrically adjustable heated and cooled rear seats with massage functionality.

Audi has sold just nine A8 vehicles in the first seven months of 2020, when the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS found 79, 67, and 15 Aussie homes respectively.