Audi S8 2012 Review

Quick Review

The all new 2012 Audi S8 looks spectacular and comes equipped with Audi's new 8 cylinder engine. An interesting addition is also the noise control technology which alters engine noise and vibration according to the interior noise making it almost impossible to tell whether the engine is utilizing four or eight cylinders at any given point in time. 

As for the engine, the Audi S8 is equipped with a 4.0 liter 8 cylinder engine that is capable of producing 520 horsepower and a ground shaking 650 Nm of torque. The 8 speed automatic transmission will propel you from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and will take you all the way till 250 km/h. Although the suspension is wonderfully tuned, the steering is a slight let down when taking sharp turns with a noticeable amount of understeer. 

In terms of the interior, the S8 is an extremely luxurious place to be. With a 22 way sports seat for the front seat passengers, a slide up infotainment system, chunky accelerator and brake pedals, an abundance of carbon fiber and ample legroom for rear passengers, it is difficult to find any fault with the interior. For those who enjoy their music, the S8 comes fitted with a standard Bose audio system which can be upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen system for utmost audible pleasure. 

From the exterior, it is fair to say that the S8 looks like an A8 after a fair amount of cosmetic upgrades. Having said that, the S8 looks undeniably sporty with it's lowered suspension, massive rims and quad exhaust tips. The S8 is definitely a gentleman’s car......a gentleman who loves speed and doesn't want to compromise on luxury. 

Competitors for the S8 include the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, BMW 760 Li and Porsche Panamera Turbo S.