The 2024 Audi S8 is a German masterpiece that defies convention. It’s not just a car; it’s an orchestra of engineering, luxury, and performance. From the moment you lay eyes on its sleek silhouette, you know you’re in for something extraordinary. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Let’s dive into the details.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Storming Twin-Turbo V8 Engine: The beating heart of the S8 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that churns out 420kW of power. It propels this limousine with the urgency of a rocket.
• Sublime Ride Comfort and Composure: The air suspension glides over imperfections, cocooning occupants in a cloud of serenity.
• Limousine Appointments: Step inside, and you’re greeted by opulence—plush leather, exquisite materials, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Cons

• Too Fast and Too Good for Aussie Roads: Our speed limits barely scratch the surface of what the S8 can achieve.
• Huge Price Tag: At $273,400 before on-road costs, it’s a serious investment.
• Not as High-Tech Inside as Some Rivals: While luxurious, it lacks the cutting-edge tech found in competitors.

How Much Does This Autobahn-Eating Beauty Cost?

Hold onto your wallets, mates. The 2024 S8 starts at a cool $273,400 before on-road costs. Let that sink in for a moment. That’s a hefty price tag, but hey, for some, exclusivity and unparalleled performance are worth it.

Features and Benefits: Where the Magic Happens

Okay, so it’s expensive. But what exactly are you getting for your hard-earned cash? Buckle up, because the S8 boasts a laundry list of features that would make James Bond drool.

• Engine: A mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid setup. This translates to eye-watering acceleration (0-100 in a mind-bending 3.8 seconds) and a surprising (for its power) 10.5L/100km fuel efficiency.
• Interior: Think luxury redefined. The S8’s cabin is a masterclass in comfort and technology, with Valcona leather seats that feel like butter, a panoramic sunroof that stretches as far as the eye can see, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system that will turn your daily commute into a concert.
• Tech Heaven: The S8 is loaded with tech goodies, from a virtual cockpit with customizable displays to a suite of driver assistance features that practically drive themselves (within the boundaries of the law, of course).

Safety First: Keeping You on the Road

Audi hasn’t skimped on safety. The S8 comes equipped with a whole arsenal of driver-assistance features, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist
• Traffic jam assist
• 360-degree parking camera

These features, combined with the S8‘s all-wheel-drive Quattro system, ensure you’ll arrive at your destination in one piece (and probably looking very cool).

A Beast in a Business Suit

Running Costs: Fuel, Service, and More

Let’s be honest, if you’re considering the S8, running costs probably aren’t your biggest concern. But for the sake of transparency, here’s a quick rundown:

• Fuel: As mentioned, the S8 is surprisingly efficient for its power, but premium unleaded is a must.
• Servicing: Servicing an S8 won’t be cheap, but Audi offers capped-price servicing plans for peace of mind.
• Insurance: Expect to pay a premium for insurance on a car like this.

The Competition: How Does the S8 Stack Up?

The S8‘s main competitors are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Porsche Panamera GTS. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The S-Class offers a similar level of luxury and performance, but the V8-powered version comes in even pricier than the S8.
• Porsche Panamera GTS: The Panamera offers a sportier driving experience, but it sacrifices some of the S8’s luxurious touches.

Ultimately, the choice between these three comes down to personal preference.

Conclusion

A Force to Be Reckoned With

The 2024 Audi S8 is a phenomenal car. It’s a technological marvel wrapped in a luxurious cocoon, and its performance is simply staggering (even if our roads can’t quite handle it). But let’s be real, the S8 isn’t for everyone. The price tag is hefty, and its practicality might be questionable for some.

Rating: 8.5/10

If you’re looking for the ultimate expression of German engineering and luxury, and have the budget to match, the S8 is a force to be reckoned with. Just remember, this beast deserves an open road, one that perhaps doesn’t have a speed limit sign every 50 meters.