2016 Audi S8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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With so many amazing Audi S-line performance sedans, one would assume that the smaller and lighter-weight among them would also be the quickest. But such does not appear to be the case: the quickest S-line from Audi is its mighty 2016 S8. This full-sized car is Audi’s flagship performance sedan, and it stands apart from the A8 in important ways. The S8 was refreshed slightly last year, with an exterior style that displays the classic and the modern in perfect harmony, but what makes it truly special is mostly what's under the skin.
First, the wheelbase. In the U.S. market, the 2016 Audi S8 will employ the “NWB," or normal wheelbase, about 202 inches long. The more luxury-focused A8 line has a longer wheelbase with five extra inches dedicated to rear-seat room, which makes the vehicle somewhat more useful as a limousine. The S8, however, is a driver’s car, and it is not “stretched.” That said, the S8 is still a vehicle in which every passenger is afforded ample room to relax, stretch out, and most likely hold on, since the driver is piloting one of the fastest large sedans ever built.
The 2016 S8 also stands alone among Audi’s full-size sedans thanks to its engine. As opposed to the four different engines available in the A8, the S8 uses only a 4.0-liter TFSI turbocharged V8. This is Audi's most powerful sedan engine, eclipsing even the top-spec A8's 6.3-liter W12. With 520 hp in its “normal” state, and an amazing 481 ft-lb of torque from just 1,750 RPM, the V8 is ready to pull with maximum torque just off idle, or scream to its redline, all depending upon the driver’s needs. The engine is mated to an eight-speed “Tiptronic” automatic, which is not a dual-clutch automatic, but rather a conventional torque-converter unit that offers smooth shifts and a very linear feel. Though a dual-clutch auto may have trimmed a tenth or so from the S8's sprint times, the conventional automatic in an executive sedan cannot be beaten for its drivability. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, of course, partly to help distribute the sedan's power and partly to add all-weather capability.
The results of this impressive hardware list include a 0-60 MPH time of just 3.9 seconds and a 155 MPH top speed. The top speed is limited by the car’s software, too, and the S8 could go much faster if Audi let it off the leash. Unsurprisingly, fuel economy numbers are less than thrilling. The 2016 S8 is rated by the EPA as having an estimated 17 mpg city/27 highway/20 combined using premium fuel.
Audi offers a “Plus” version of the S8 in markets outside the U.S., with an enhanced engine system that allows short bursts of added power. The turbos and engine management system “go to eleven” and the power climbs to 605 hp. This being the second year of the S8 since its refresh, we would not be surprised if the Plus became a mid-2016 offering intended to boost sales. The results of the added power don’t show up much on the specs page, dropping the 0-60 MPH time by only 0.1 seconds, but those buying this car will probably want the Plus.
Focusing too heavily on the 2016 S8’s muscle-car abilities, however, is not totally fair. The S8 interior offers Audi’s highest level of refinement, with standard appointments that are already at the top of the market, such as contrast stitching on the fine leather upholstery and a center tunnel thick a bridge abutment, where you can rest your arm or stash any items large or small. The dash is classic Audi, but bigger, featuring a large center infotainment screen that works with Audi’s highly-rated MMI (man-machine-interface). The trim materials are highly customizable and offer stylish contemporary designs such as Carbon Twill Copper.
The base price of the 2016 Audi S8 will be about $116,000. Not a single buyer interested in this car will want a “base” model, though, and Audi is happy to help with that problem. Just adding heated seats will pad the price tag by $750, and most of the other options have an added zero over "normal" pricing. For example, the forward collision prevention and active cruise control package, now being sold for between $350 and $1100 by most mainstream automakers, costs $2,100 on the S8. The Full Leather Package adds $5,500 and Night Vision Assist adds $2,300. Most buyers will also choose one of the $5,500 special leather color packages, such as Balao Brown Leather with Balsamic Brown Natural Fine Grain Ash Wood Inlay. Those planning to take home a 2016 Audi S8 should budget around $135,000.
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2016 Audi S8 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: carbon fiber · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse