• Exquisite dynamics: innovative new predictive active suspension, delivers an incredible mix of dynamics, comfort and poise
• Sansom: "The all-new Audi S8 is the technological flagship, the halo of our sedan range and the ultimate in luxurious performance"
• Superb luxury flagship priced at $260,000*, with the most complete equipment list of any Audi in the entire model line-up

Zetland, August 28, 2020 – Audi Australia welcomes the arrival of the pinnacle of its luxury sedan range, in the all-new fifth-generation Audi S8. This extraordinary sports limousine is the ultimate statement of power, cutting-edge technology and dynamic athleticism.

"The all-new Audi S8 is the technological flagship, the halo of our sedan range and the ultimate in luxurious performance," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"The new-generation S8 is a dynamic masterpiece, equipped with a truly astonishing suite of advanced technologies that ensure it makes a powerful statement, even at the upper end of this exclusive segment. The S8, in every way, is the epitome of our Vorsprung durch Technik philosophy," said Sansom.

At the very heart of the all-new Audi S8 is its monumental 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers, generating an earth-turning power output of 420kW and 800Nm of torque from 2,000 – 6,000 rpm. This crushing performance catapults the S8 to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.8 seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The engine itself is an engineering masterpiece, with a cast aluminium crankcase that weighs just 39.1kg, an advanced variable oil pump arrangement, variable camshafts and a sophisticated fuel injection system delivers the optimum balance between power and efficiency at all times.

Intelligent efficiency systems further enhance the engine's performance. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover up to 8 kW of power while coasting or under light throttle. The start/stop system also draws on the 48v electrical system, saving up to 0.8 litres of fuel, per 100km. Additionally, cylinder on demand (CoD) technology can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load, resuming within milliseconds when required. All of this is imperceptible to the driver and passengers, and contributes to its impressive up to 10.5L/100km fuel consumption.

The audacious roar of the engine has a distinctive texture to its sound, thanks to the 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 firing sequence. This symphony is amplified through the S8's dual exhaust system, and is easily controlled via Audi drive select.

To harness the engine's incredible power, the all-new S8 is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via the legendary Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically: 40:60, front to rear respectively. This provides the perfect platform for dynamic handling with optimal traction, however up to 85 percent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for especially sporty handling. The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle's torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.

One of most advanced suspension systems in the world features in the S8 flagship, offering remarkable dynamic versatility: from the luxurious ride comfort expected from a limousine to the physics-defying dynamics only seen in thoroughbred sports cars. For the first time ever in an Audi, predictive active suspension technology debuts standard in the S8. The innovative new system works in combination with multiple sensors throughout the car, including the video camera, to influence and actively control the S8's body, seamlessly adapting to the road conditions. In 'Comfort plus' mode, the system reduces the effect of g-forces felt by passengers by 'leaning' into the pitch/roll inertia movements of the car. In dynamic mode, this effect delivers outstanding cornering for a vehicle of its size. Agility is further enhanced by the standard Dynamic All-Wheel-Steering system.

Visually, the all-new S8 boasts a sporty elegance with a striking exterior design. The wide, upright Singleframe grille, complements the S8's flowing and muscular body with its contoured roofline. Quad-oval tailpipes sit beneath the sculptured rear bumper, with rhomboid pattern insert and contrasting diffuser.

Sophisticated lighting technology enhances the overall aesthetics, with HD Matrix LED headlights, dynamic indicators and Audi laser light as standard. Each headlight contains 138 light-emitting diodes with 32 small adjustable LEDs that illuminate the road ahead. From speeds of up to 70 km/h, Audi laser light can be activated, doubling the range of the high beam for enhanced clarity and safety. Together with the HD Matrix LED headlights, the S8 offers standard OLED rear lights, emitting a distinctive dynamic sequence at the front and rear, via the remote control key.

Alongside the sophisticated lighting system on the all-new S8, new adaptive windscreen wipers feature as standard, boasting optimum visibility of the road. Intuitively, the cleaning fluid is projected directly in front of the wiper blades, while reducing the output of water by up to 50 percent in comparison to conventional systems. 

The athletic character of the all-new S8 is further enhanced with a range of standard features including 21-inch aluminium wheels, accentuated with red brake calipers, metallic paint and privacy glass for the rear windows.

Intuitive technology and exceptional connectivity underpins the unique driving experience on the all-new S8, with the seamless integration of Audi smartphone interface via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus with head-up display provides all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the high-resolution MMI touch response system. With its crystal clear resolution, the beautifully crafted display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard and is a powerful platform that commands all manner of convenient 'touch or talk' driving, infotainment and connectivity functions. The Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (17 speakers, 730W) is an symphonic feast for audiophiles. Additionally, the S8 offers a rear seat remote control and Audi music interface with two USB outlets in the backseat for passengers to connect their devices.

Inside the cabin, the all-new S8 is exquisitely crafted, delivering an enriching experience for both the driver and those who prefer to be driven. Before the driver or passenger even enters the cabin, the S8's predictive active suspension lifts by 50mm when a door handle is opened – making entry and exit far more comfortable.

The interior is upholstered in Valcona leather, complete with an elegant arrangement of carbon vector and dark brushed aluminium inlays. The leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel offers heating for cooler climates, matched by heating, ventilation and massage functions in the front seats. The colour interior lighting setting creates a peaceful ambience with a unique selection of options available, dependant on the mood. Stainless steel pedals and the extended leather upholstery package, spanning from the centre console through to the door railings add to the cabin's sophisticated air.

Comfort and convenience items are a real highlight in this segment, but the S8 exceeds expectations with highlights including electric outer rear seats with memory and heating functionality, as well as two panel sunroof and electric sunblinds – all operable from the rear remote control. Exclusively offered within the A8 and S8 are the new Matrix LED reading lights in the rear, giving passengers the opportunity to complete work assignments on the journey home or on the way to meetings. There are countless other touchpoints that give every journey a real sense of occasion.

On top of this, a full suite of driver assistance systems are standard in the all-new S8. Highlight features include park assist, 360-degree cameras for outstanding visibility when manoeuvring, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist, exit warning and rear cross traffic assist and the adjustable speed limiter and lane change warning detections offering a range of functions such as side assist, turn assist, collision avoidance assist and efficiency assist with a haptic accelerator pedal.

One notable passive safety feature in all A8 vehicles, including the S8, is the front centre airbag. During the event of a side impact, or if the vehicle rolls over during a collision, the centre airbag is deployed for increased protection inside the cabin.

A selection of eleven exterior colours are available on the all-new S8, as well as six interior trim colour schemes.

The all-new S8 is offered with the comprehensive five-year Audi service plan package, priced at $3,990.

The all-new S8 is available in Audi dealerships from October and also available to order through the new Audi online purchase platform, at audi.com.au.

Pricing*

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 18 locations in 13 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2018, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.812 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 5,750 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 53,004 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2018 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.2 billion and an operating profit before special items of €4.7 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.