New Audi S8 ARRIVES – thankfully, with a 563bhp V8

The new Audi S8 arrives as the performance take on Audi’s Flagship A8, complete with 563bhp 4.0 litre V8, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.

We had begun to wonder if Audi had, rather perversely, decided that, despite its demonization, diesel-engined performance models were going to be de riguer. After all, the SQ7 is a diesel and so is the new SQ8. 

Thankfully, Audi has decided that the new S8 – the performance take on the A8 Flagship – won’t be saddled with a big diesel but with a 4.0 litre, 563bhp with 48V mild-hybrid tech and 580lb/ft of torque. Much more appropriate.

Audi hasn’t homologated the S8 yet so we don’t know how quick it will be, but sub-4.0 seconds sounds about right, and that 48V alternator starter will help economy with more stop starts and chunks of coasting when appropriate.

The S8 gets predictive active suspension to reduce roll at every wheel, with Audi claiming the S8 rolls half the amount the A8 does, and comes with five driving modes including a new Comfort+ for proper wafting. Something S8s of old really couldn’t do.

Also in the mix is four-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability at slow speeds and stability at high speeds, a subtle tweaking of bumpers and sills, quad exhaust pipes, up to 21″ alloys and options like Black Pack and Ceramic Brakes.

Inside it’s titivated A8 with double-screen MMI, lots of leather, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and ‘S’ configuration for the digital instruments.

Not only has Audi not yet decided how quick the new S8 is, they haven’t decided how much it will cost either. But don’t be surprised if it’s £100k.