WASHINGTON — I’m lucky to see and drive many cars each year. Some of them are forever memorable and this is one of them.
It’s not just because its fully loaded sticker price is very close to $153,000: Cars like the Audi S8 plus join an elite group of large, luxury sedans that are transformed into serious sports cars with a back seat.
I’m used to powerful cars and usually they are loud and unforgiving to drive, really announcing how fast they are to everyone within ear shot. Well, the Audi S8 plus is different from what I was expecting. It’s a bit louder than say a regular A8, but you really aren’t prepared for the savage beast that lives within the hood when you plant that right foot to the floor. The acceleration is very impressive. The AWD system does a great job putting the 605 hp to the ground. You could easily be in big trouble as 60 mph is less than four seconds away. It humbles many sports cars. But if losing your license isn’t in the cards — not everyone gets a private road to explore the power like I did — it also does a good job being the normal large, luxury sedan.
Different driving modes are as easy as pushing a button. The sporty suspension softens and the engine seems a bit more relaxed in some settings. The ride is only slightly more firm in the sports mode but barely noticeable and it’s very quiet on the road. Even gas mileage of 19.8 mpg wasn’t too bad for 605 hp and better than I was expecting.
The exterior style flies a bit under the radar; only a carbon fiber spoiler, mirrors and blacked out trim pieces tell you this might be special. Oh, and the large 21-inch wheels and the S8 badge also give a hint. The S8 plus starts at $114,900, but a special silver matte paint adds $6,000. Most people loved it. Add the $11,000 Dynamic package that brings the carbon fiber pieces and also kicks in big ceramic brakes and a cool sport exhaust finished in black. All the pieces together do give the S8 plus a more aggressive look compared to the A8 version of this car. Most people will have no idea how special this car is but the ones who do will give this ride the respect it deserves. I got several thumbs up.
Inside is all luxury with leather everywhere as part of the $5,500 Audi design selection. It also includes diamond-stitched leather seats that have great comfort. The red stitching helps the black interior pop. The 22-way power seats are heated, ventilated and have massage.
The S8 is only available on the standard wheel base and not a long wheel base version like the regular A8 so rear seat space is less than some of the competition, but still good for most people. The trunk space is also a bit underwhelming for this size class of car. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is priced at $6,300, but probably a must if you’re an audiophile.
With the heart of an exotic sports car and the moves of a much smaller car, the Audi S8 plus is a special, large luxury sedan. It will surprise you. Treat it as a luxury sedan and enjoy a comfortable riding machine or tear up those back roads or track and unleash the 605 hp of this true autobahn burner.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
