Audi A8 2013 Review

It's a bit like getting a Christmas In July invitation - you think it's a bit over the top but you'll still take up the offer.

“We didn't plan to launch this,'' says Audi Australia's Anna Burgdorf of the S8 slingshot limo, “because we didn't expect the demand.''

Indeed, even at a projected one sale a month from when the Audi S8 hits the Australian market in the second quarter of next year, it's still business the company wants. “We expected the S6 or the S7 to take up demand from where the previous S8 left off,'' Ms Burgdorf says. “But we have had a lot of interest - that is, a lot of interest for a $250,000 car.''

The S8 continues Audi's plan to reduce the weight of its cars, make them more powerful (though to be politically correct, it's called efficient) and use less fuel.

It has the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that replaces the previous S8's exotic V10 that continues to be used as the premium engine for the R8 and Audi-owned Lamborghini's Gallardo.

The delay before the S8 arrives in Australia is attributed to waiting for the mid-life makeover model. The A8, which forms the basis for the S8, started in its current generation in 2010. Audi last imported an S8 in 2010 after selling 45 units in its four-year life.

VALUE

It's at the top of Audi's saloon-car range so earns a premium price. It's expected to cost about $250,000 when it gets here about May next year, and the only good news about that is it's $14,000 cheaper than the last S8 to be sold here.

The previous V10-engined model was a beast but Audi promises the new version will be more civilised and less aggressive on the owner's wallet. High-end features include double-glazed windows, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, Bose audio, diamond-quilt leather upholstery and a buffed body clothed in subtle bulges, dominant exhaust pipes and 20-inch alloy wheels.

DESIGN

The latest S8 - the one we get in May - gets relatively minor upgrades on the current A8, but remain important to differentiate the car and the temperament of its owner. The grille is finished in platinum - rather than silver - and features black slats on the front, bold S8 badges, chrome exhaust pipes and the 20-inch S8-specific alloys open the spokes over black-painted brake calipers.

TECHNOLOGY

It's all in the engine. The 382kW/650Nm 4-litre gets two identical turbochargers siting within the vee of the V8. It is technically similar to the RS6's 412kW/700Nm engine, just muted to suit a less frenetic lifestyle. To save fuel, there's cylinder deactivation when cruising and stop-start for traffic congestion.

Electronic engine-mount dampers cradle the V8 so you never feel it switch from eight cylinders to four. The engine drives an eight-speed torque-converter automatic to power all wheels. The body is all aluminium with an all-alloy suspension system, electric-assist steering - with drive-select modes - and despite its 1975kg weight, streaks the 100km/h dash in a very unlimousine-like 4.2 seconds. It's also capable of a 10.2 litres/100km average drawing from an autobahn-friendly 90-litre tank.

SAFETY

The S8 showcases Audi's safety arsenal and most of the options on lesser models here become standard. The adaptive cruise system is one of the highlights, with the ability to use its radar to pick up danger signs from the front and rear of the car.

There's also blind-spot monitor, a driver fatigue system, lane-change warning and so on. The S8 doesn't have an official crash rating.

DRIVING

This isn't exactly the car we'll get in Australia. This is the current car and gets its mid-life makeover - a soft change to the nose and tail but no driveline alterations - in production later this year. It's a chance, however, to feel what a few Australians will be able to buy come early 2014. For a start, though technically similar to the RS6's powerplant, the noise is less dominant and the power delivery less intense.

Yet 382kW/650Nm isn't cheese dip and it pumps with immediate response in a predictable, linear delivery. It's more responsive and quicker than the old V10 and 23 per cent more fuel efficient, while carving a massive 54kg off the engine weight. Win, win!

There's a lot of sports-oriented gear in the car - real carbon-fibre trim, alloy edging, bold S8 graphics, lowered body, fat bodykit and the paddle-shifters on the steering column - and while the engine fulfils much of the visual promise, it's still restrained.

The exhaust growls as it sets off and changes pitch to a roar in proportion to the arc of the tacho needle. It's clearly quick but the cabin is too good at cocooning the occupants. But it's a superb cruiser and on the German autobahns on a quiet day, will double Australia's speed limit without appearing to stretch a muscle.

VERDICT

Nice car but we may be living in the wrong country.

AUDI S8

Price: est. $250,000
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited, roadside assist
Capped servicing: No
Service interval: 12mths/15,000km
Resale: 55%
Safety: 10 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TC
Crash rating: 5-star
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 382kW/650Nm
Transmission: 8-spd auto; constant AWD
Thirst: 10.2L/100km; 98RON; 237g/km CO2
Dimensions: 5.1m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.5m (H)
Weight: 1975kg
Spare: None