Under the long, sleek bonnet is Audi’s 4.0 TFSI engine – a biturbo eight-cylinder unit that produces 420 kW and an opulent 800 Nm of torque with a quattro all-wheel drive set-up. Audi claims it will take the big sedan only 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h with the top speed limited at 250 km/h.

The S8 boasts a mild hybrid system (MHEV) that works continuously to reduce fuel consumption. Its 48-volt belt alternator starter and the additional lithium-ion battery enable coasting with the engine switched off, fast restart and an extended start-stop range. Fuel savings of up to 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres are claimed.

The new S8 comes standard with the predictive active suspension. The high-tech system, which works in combination with the air suspension, can lift or push down each wheel separately via electromechanical actuators. It is therefore possible for the first time to actively control the trim of the body in any driving situation and thus greatly reduce pitch or roll during acceleration or braking. The front camera, which detects larger road surface irregularities, enables this to be done predictively.

The progressive, elegantly flowing exterior design gets some new accents with the new Audi S8. Bold interior and exterior design elements finely hone the sporty character. Wheels of 21 inches in diameter are available for the 5.18-metre-long sports sedan. Details on the front bumper, side sills and the exterior mirror housings, as well as the two S-typical twin oval exhaust tailpipes, emphasise the car’s sporty and progressive character.

Every detail of the new Audi S8 reflects its character as a sporty luxury model. One highlight is the standard, individually contoured comfort sports seats. They feature wide-ranging power adjustment, pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and separate three-stage heating for each seat. What is more, they are available with ventilation in the front (standard) and massage function (optional).

MMI navigation plus serves as the infotainment and media centre in the new S8. The extensive Audi connect functionality is integrated into the new sedan. It includes numerous car-to-X services that draw on the heaps of intelligence of the Audi fleet. The downloadable myAudi app connects the car to customers’ smartphones so that they can easily send destinations to the car from their couch as well as enjoy a host of other infotainment, safety and remote features.

The standard Audi smartphone interface brings Android Auto and wireless Apple Car Play on board. High-end components such as the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound (optional upgraded to the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound) and the standard Audi phone box and ambient lighting package plus, round up the infotainment and interior comfort features line-up in the new S8.

• Pricing (May 2021):
• Competitors:

Audi S8 TFSI quattro (R2 484 000).

BMW 750Li xDrive, Lexus LS 500 Sport, Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic and the Porsche Panamera GTS.