2022 Audi S8 review

There’s something for lesser Audis to learn from this flagship saloon. How pleasing it is to see a truly rapid Audi that looks so visually discreet and which rides so unexpectedly well. The latter is achieved by using cameras to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension to suit; it also leans the car into high speed corners, a trait I’ve hated in other cars but which actually works very unobtrusively here.

Nor is there anything ‘go-faster’ about the cabin. It’s luxurious but sober and would be close to perfection if the touchscreen was more user-friendly. It could almost be a normal Audi until you realise its 4-litre twin turbo will spear it to 62mph in less than 4sec. It also has commendably neutral handling: driving it fast was a pleasant experience, which is more than I’ve been able to say of many allegedly more sporting RS-badged Audis in the past.

But there’s nothing here I can’t see being entirely possible to replicate across Audi’s more affordable saloons, hatchbacks, SUVs and crossovers. Too often with these cars I am left with the impression that their designers get all the budget they need to create the plush interior surfacing while the chassis engineers are told to sign off the moment an adequate ride/handling compromise has been achieved.

I can see great appeal in a series of visually understated Audis that under-promise with the visuals and over-deliver the with dynamics. And now it has the perfect template.

 

Audi S8 specifications

• Price £102,730
• Engine 4 litres, eight cylinders, petrol, turbocharged
• Power 563bhp
• Torque 590lb ft
• Weight 2430kg (DIN)
• Power to weight 254bhp per tonne
• Transmission Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 3.8sec
• Top speed 155mph (limited)
• Economy 24.6mpg
• CO2 260g/km
• Verdict Understated brilliance.