The new Audi S8 TFSI quattro delivers a sharpened design and a leading edge technology portfolio worthy of the luxury sedan that represents status, authority and progress. Familiar Audi S model characteristics like the four flow-optimized pipes under a circumferential contour and distinctive blades around the air intakes clearly state the S8’s premium design. Intrinsic technology like the Digital Matrix LED headlights and OLED rear lights, Audi pre-sense, virtual cockpit Plus and optional night vision assistant ensure that the Audi flagship sedan once again, delivers progress with a vision.
Local market introduction of the new S8 takes place today with prices starting at R2,759,000 (inclusive of 5yr/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan, VAT and all taxes).
Even more prestige and authority: the exterior design
The Audi S8 is a luxury sedan that represents status and exudes authority – the sharpened design of the exterior is even more representative, confident and athletic. The base of the single frame grill is now wider and chrome angles that increase in size from bottom to top adorn its grid. The side air intakes are more upright and just as freshly styled as the headlights, whose lower edge on the outside creates a distinctive contour. The newly designed and precisely orchestrated design elements in the front area significantly increase the S8’s presence and authority and sharpen the profile of the brand’s flagship sedan.
Sovereign and efficient: the engine range, quattro and sport differential
The biturbo V8 generates 420 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. It does a standard sprint in 3.8 seconds and the Cylinder on Demand system also increases efficiency in the S8.
The engine is connected to a fast and gently toggling eight-step tiptronic gearbox. Thanks to an electric oil pump, the automatic transmission can change gears even when the combustion engine is not running.
The constant all-wheel drive quattro with the self-locking sport differential is standard in the S8 which actively distributes torque between the rear wheels during fast cornering and thereby makes the handling even sportier and more stable.
Predictive active suspension
One of the technological highlights of the enhanced S8 is the predictive active suspension. It can load or unload each wheel with additional power individually via an electric motor and thereby actively regulate the position of the chassis in any driving situation. Predictive active suspension gives the driving experience in the Audi S8 a fascinating range. When dynamic mode is on in the Audi drive select system, the large sedan shows its sporty side. It firmly turns into corners, the roll angles are small, and the body hardly dips when braking. In Comfort+ mode, by contrast, it smoothly breezes over unevenness. Here, the steering works in conjunction with the front camera, allowing it to recognize unevenness within the system limitations and predictively regulate the actuators.
In Comfort+ mode, the predictive active suspension has a special feature: its integrated curve tilting function reduces the lateral acceleration that acts on the occupants. Upon entering a curve, it elevates the side of the body on the outside of the curve and lowers the other side, thereby tilting it into the curve up to three degrees. At speeds between 80 and 130 km/h and lateral acceleration of up to 0.4g, cornering is scarcely noticeable. While driving straight in Comfort+, the predictive active suspension compensates for pitching movements in the chassis. To help with getting in and out of the car comfortably, the body raises and lowers itself by up to 50 mm.
Digital Matrix LED headlights and OLED rear lights
Comparable with video projectors, the standard Digital Matrix LED headlights use DMD (digital micromirror device) technology. Each headlight has approximately 1.3 million micromirrors that break down the light into tiny pixels. This allows it to be controlled with maximum precision. One new function that this makes possible is lane and orientation lights for highways. Here, the headlights emit a carpet of light that illuminates the driver’s own lane particularly brightly. Above all, this orientation light helps drivers intuitively stay in their lane at road construction sites. The digital Matrix LED headlights can generate dynamic coming home/leaving home functions upon unlocking and getting out of the car. They shine like projections on the ground or a wall.
In the lap of luxury: Seating comfort for drivers and passengers alike
The new Audi S8 TFSI quattro offers unsurpassed comfort not only for the drivers but the passengers too. The optional rear seat package delivers a three-seat system with two electrically adjustable individual seats. These include electrical adjustment of the longitudinal seat position, backrest angle and backrest head adjustment. It is also equipped with pneumatic 4-way lumbar support, a memory function and side airbags. If the function that can be set in the MMI touch response is switched on, the rear seat bench automatically moves to the rearmost position when the associated door is opened.
In addition, the cooler box and air quality package, consisting of an ionizer and fragrancing, enhance the comfort of the interior.
Infotainment is also available for rear seat passengers with two 10.1 inch displays at full HD resolution attached to the backs of the front seats. They display content from passengers’ devices and can receive numerous audio and video streams via casting.
New solutions: Navigation and Audi connect
MMI Navigation plus is standard in the enhanced Audi S8. It is supported by the third generation modular infotainment toolkit (MIB 3). The likewise standard online and Car2X services from Audi connect augment the navigation system. They are divided into two packages: Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment and Audi connect Safety & Service.
Sensitive and sensible: operation
The MMI touch response operating concept in the Audi A8 relies on two displays (10.1“ and 8.6“) and natural voice operation. The dialogue starts by calling out “Hey Audi!” The completely digital Audi virtual cockpit, with the standard head-up display, completes the display and operating concept and emphasizes the orientation to the driver. Important information is displayed directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Local standard equipment highlights
The Audi S8 quattro comes highly equipped with specifications and features which proudly showcase its performance, digital and design points. The following standard equipment highlights are worth mentioning: Digital HD Matrix LED headlights & OLED rear lamps with light signature, quattro with sports differential, dynamic all-wheel steering, adaptive cruise control, Audi connect2X and infotainment services, predictive active suspension, Valcona leather upholstery with diamond stitching, seat ventilation and massage function, Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound with 3D, Audi virtual cockpit Plus, Head-up display (to name a few).
The new Audi S8 TFSI quattro is officially on sale in South Africa and comes standard with a five year/ 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.
Ends.
