2016 Audi S8 Plus first drive review
Audi has made a mistake.
Officially this car is called the Audi S8 Plus, but the reality is it actually should be called the RS8.
That's because underneath the limousine bodywork lies Audi's potent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 taken directly from the new RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Performance.
So despite not wearing an 'RS' badge the S8 Plus is tuned to the same 445kW of power and 700Nm (with 750Nm on overboost) as the RS6/RS7. That's a significant 63kW and 50Nm increase over the already powerful S8.
Not surprisingly then the S8 Plus is the fastest and most powerful model to ever wear Audi's 'S' badge. The claimed 0-100km/h time for this 5.1-metre long limo is a seriously rapid 3.8 seconds.
And it feels every bit that quick from behind the wheel. The surge of acceleration definitely warrants this executive express carrying an RS badge.
It builds speed with the same effortlessness of the RS6/RS7 siblings, getting faster and faster with seemingly no end to the thrust. It will hit an artificial limit at 250km/h but an option package can raise that to 305km/h if that is desired.
Not that it really makes sense as there is no legal place to drive it that quickly in Australia and despite its sportiness the S8 Plus isn't really the kind of car you'd do many track days in.
Having said that, the S8 Plus is more than capable of holding its own in the corners. The executive sedan gets adaptive air suspension with Dynamic steering - both tuned specifically for the S8 Plus - that make it one of the most engaging limousines to drive.
It sits flat in the bends, and despite its obvious size and the fact it tips the scales at two tonnes, it feels responsive too. A versatile performer, the S8 feels just as comfortable tackling a twisty, sweeping country road as it would eating distance on an autobahn.
No matter what you're doing, you will do it in comfort.
That's because in addition to the full leather interior treatment the S8 Plus gets Valcona leather upholstery with red contrasting stitching for its sports seats. The front chairs are also heated and ventilated and the cabin also features carbon fibre trim with a red twill inlay unique to the S8 Plus.
Other luxuries include a head up display, digital TV tuner, DAB+ digital radio and Bose surround sound system.
The $330,500 (plus on-roads) asking price also brings Audi's Matrix LED headlights, soft close doors, 360 degree parking camera, active lane assist, side assist and adaptive cruise control with Audi's pre sense plus safety system.
Other extras the Plus gets over the S8 are a gloss black exterior package with carbon fibre accents and new 21-inch wheels to lend more presence.
Not that the S8 was a shrinking violet before, but the added black and carbon fibre touches, coupled with new titanium-look finished alloys give it a menacing stance.
It looks almost as imposing as the RS6/RS7 duo which is fitting because it would have little trouble holding its own against the RS duo.
Even if it doesn't get to wear the badge.
2016 Audi S8 Plus pricing and specifications
Price: $330,500 plus on-road costs
On sale: Now
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol
Power: 445kW at 6100-6800rpm
Torque: 700Nm at 1750-6000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 10.2L/100km