Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 79%

Audi’s have never been better cars to be seen in. There is something about the subtle looks, understated power and excellent quality which makes them particularly compelling. The halo effect of the R8 supercar hasn’t hurt things either.

So there are few cars which do more for your kudos than an Audi S8 fitted with the V10 engine from a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Just make sure you can afford the bills and plant plenty of trees to offset your carbon footprint.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

Audi’s are generally discreet cars, a trait accentuated by the choice of a sensible colour palette; our test car was finished in Daytona Grey. But, the S8 will still get you noticed thanks to a combination of its sheer size, 20-inch alloy wheels, silver door mirrors and grille and V10 badges. It certainly makes a statement, and whether you like the attention or not is a personal choice.

8/10

2. Looks inside

The Audi S8 has one of the finest interiors we’ve experienced in any car. Our test model was finished in silver/light grey Valcona leather and its seats and trim were of the highest quality. The doors and centre console are impeccably covered in matching stitched leather and the slim dashboard has a swathe of carbon fibre trim. We particularly like the folding satellite navigation screen which completely disappears when not in use, or you just want audio navigation prompts.

At night the S8’s cabin is arguably even more impressive, coming alive with the best ambient lighting we’ve seen. Small strips of warm light bathe the cabin in a relaxing glow.

10/10

3. Practicality

A big boot is a must in this class of car, and the S8 doesn’t disappoint with 500-litres of luggage space available in its tail. The boot lifts to fully open with a press on the key fob and closes automatically with a press of a button just under the tailgate. Interior space is excellent, with rear legroom capable of making it a fine super-fast limousine. Each door features a luxurious pop-out door bin.

But its size is a virtue and curse. We found the S8 tricky to manoeuvre in multi-storey car parks designed mainly for hatchbacks and superminis and parking is tricky, even with the reversing camera.
 
8/10

4. Ride and Handling

The S8 has Quattro four-wheel drive, air-suspension which can be switched between ‘Dynamic’ (automatic), ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ modes and runs on huge 20-inch wheels and tyres, so it’s hardly surprising its road holding and grip are epic. And, the clever suspension provides a great balance between comfort and handling. But, two factors mean this is a car which will only worry sports cars in a straight line; its weight and size. The S8 feels hemmed in on B-roads and even A-roads, and feels most at home flying along dual carriageways and motorways.

7/10

5. Performance

Audi S8 owners will surely never grow tired of telling people its 5.2-litre V10 engine is sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo supercar. Audi’s engineers have reduced its power to 450bhp but increased its pulling power to 398lb/ft to make it better suited to a heavier car better suited to long distance cruising than track days. It’s an awesome engine which is much quieter than in a Lamborghini, but still roars and throbs when you want it to. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 5.1 seconds, while its top speed is artificially limited to 155mph.

9/10

6. Running Costs

There is no doubt you need to be on great terms with your bank manager to run this car. Audi’s fitment of more efficient direct fuel injection means 21.4mpg is respectable for such a big, powerful engine, but it’s still going to mean big bills. Depreciation is eye-watering, 314g/km places the S8 is in line for the highest tax bills and parts for the complex suspension, big brakes and special engine will be expensive.

Don’t forget the surprisingly reasonably £70,430 starting price though; a Mercedes S-Class S63 AMG costs from £94,482.

3/10

7. Reliability

Audi A8 owners reporting on Drive the Debate have given an impressive 4.5 star score overall. But, several commentators state high servicing costs and rarity of parts as a concern. The Reliability Index ranks Audi behind competitors BMW, Mercedes and its more mainstream partner, Volkswagen.

7/10

8. Safety

Due to its low production volume, EuroNCAP hasn’t tested the Audi S8, but if it did we’re confident it would score well. All of Audi’s trusted safety kit is present and correct, including a full complement of airbags, ABS, ESP, traction control, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, first aid kit and warning triangle. Quattro four-wheel drive and big brakes also add to the S8’s all-weather safety.

9/10

9. Equipment

While Audi’s lower in the pecking order can be stingily equipped, the S8 is a flagship model and has an impressive spec sheet. Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation with 7-inch folding screen, adaptive Xenon headlights, BOSE stereo, leather upholstery, carbon trim, power closing doors and boot, folding and dimming door mirrors, heated front seats and tyre pressure monitors are all standard.

Our test car was also fitted with Audi Music Interface (£245), Audi Parking Advanced System (£365), Audi Side Assist (£440), Audi Lane Assist (£390), Adaptive Cruise Control (£1,470), twin-pane heat and UV insulating glass (£325).

9/10


10. X-Factor

The Audi S8 certainly has X-Factor and surprise, surprise it’s the juxtaposition of Lamborghini-derived engine and ultra-luxurious interior which set this car apart. It’s an incredibly cool combination having so much power in such a sophisticated package. If you can afford the bills it’s a beautiful car to drive and own, just don’t tell your green-conscious friends what’s under the bonnet.

9/10