Audi S8: mellow monster

Newswheel staff :: 06 December 2005 :: Filed under Four wheel drive, Saloon, Audi, Audi S8

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Times journo falls for big Audi’s subtle charms

It’s a mellow monster. That, to liberally paraphrase a recent article in the Sunday Times, is what ubiquitous motoring scribbler Andrew Frankel makes of the new Audi S8. Unlike BMW’s raw M5 and M-B’s bombastic supercharged AMG models, the S8 is a subtle charmer that delivers pace and grace without compromising on refinement or comfort. Which is nice…

The S8’s 5.2-litre V10 is derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo’s 5.0-litre engine. But with nearly two tons to drag around, its 444bhp output isn’t enough for supercar pace. 

The S8 is a big, heavy, four-wheel-drive bar steward of a car. Therefore, in this age of 500bhp-plus super and turbocharged executive barges, the 444bhp output of the S8’s Lamorghini-sourced 5.2-litre V10 mill was never going to translate into class-leading pace. But as Frankel points out, that probably doesn’t matter. The S8 is most attractive because it builds on the strengths of the standard A8 saloon rather than unceremoniously defenestrating them in the name of raw performance. It’s every bit as refined as and boasts similar ride quality to the boggo A8. And that despite monumental 20-inch wheels and uprated suspension.

Huge 20-inch wheels are standard, ceramic brake discs optional.

Yes, a torque-tastic AMG variant of the outgoing Mercedes S-Class offers kidney-crushing thrills. And a BMW M5 is an awesome slab of high performance machinery. However, after dulling effect of familiarity, what are you left with? A big, chintzy barge in the case of the M-B (that will probably apply to the brand new S-Class, too, when AMG versions are released) and the pressing need for some r-and-r after the stifly-sprung, uncompromising M5.

So, while the S8 won’t blow your brains out with pure pace, with a 0-60 dash of 5.1 seconds and an electronically limited top end of 155mph, it’s surely quick enough for most tastes. But more importantly, the off-beat thrum of the sophisticated V10 engine, the beauty of the car’s all-alloy construction and its understated and classy design will keep on satisfying. Here endeth this week’s thinly disguised advertorial.

The S8 goes on sale in the UK next summer at an expect price of 70,000 of your Earth pounds.

Linkage:
Sunday Times