2016 Audi S8 Plus Review

BMW might have the longest history of sporty luxury sedans, and Mercedes-AMG might make the most powerful one—in the form of the insanely expensive S65 AMG—but as far as the overall package is concerned, a new player from Audi warrants a close look. Ingolstadt is out to impress with the new S8 Plus, the most powerful derivative of the A8 yet. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an eight-speed automatic, is rated at 605 horsepower. That’s up 85 horsepower from the regular S8, which remains in production for other markets but steps aside for the Plus in the U.S.
For those not aware, or for the very few aware enough to finding the standard and very scarce Audi S8 a bit mealy, the Plus version has increased power to 597bhp from 513bhp – while peak torque is up to 553lb ft, from 479lb ft.

The result is that very rich people will now go from sitting still to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, instead of 4.1sec, and will find their cossetted bottoms topping out at a restricted 155mph very soon after.

Should they like to make their bottoms go faster, they can opt for the optional Dynamic package which will allow for a 189mph top speed, and add ceramic brakes too.

Compared to the standard S8, the Plus’s powerplant has been extensively modified to boost its performance. It features special engine management software, modified exhaust valves and turbocharger upgrades.
To create the S8, Audi modified the A8’s chassis and air suspension considerably and fitted it with a torque-vectoring system for the rear axle. The S8 Plus retains the regular S8’s hardware, but its electronic programming has been further sharpened. While the Comfort mode remains virtually unchanged (it will allow considerable body roll), the Auto and Dynamic settings are noticeably more firm, agile, and precise than on the S8. When specified with the Dynamic package (not to be confused with Dynamic driving mode), the S8 Plus comes with a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a sport exhaust system, and carbon-ceramic brakes that bite hard and decelerate harder, which is good considering the package’s aforementioned heightened speed limiter.

Despite its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and its performance mien, the S8 Plus remains a luxury sedan at its core. This means a nearly unparalleled ability to cover long distances while its occupants are cosseted in absolute comfort. It’s a big car that’ll perform remarkably well on twisty roads, but it’s not something with which you want to chase Porsche Caymans.
By any measure that makes sense, the S8 Plus makes no sense. But it is a wonderful machine: brutally fast and beautifully built.