2002 Audi S8 Review

Answer quickly--which of these makes would you choose if you wanted the top foreign sports-luxury sedan: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar or Audi?

My guess as to the answer? Most people would select the Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. While Audi has made a big comeback in recent years, it hasn't reached the prestige level of those other automakers. That puts the new S8 version of Audi's flagship A8 sedan off shopping lists of many folks. Too bad, because the S8 is exceptional. That's especially true where roads get very slippery because the S8 is the only car with all-wheel drive in the pinnacle-sedan class.

Indeed, the $72,500 S8 sports-luxury sedan has everything most buyers of such a car would want, except a venerable nameplate. It's almost a secret in the rarified European top-line sedan market, although it should be considered equally with flagship Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar sedans.
Even the equipment-loaded A8 is quite a car. The large, stylish sedan features such things as a sophisticated 310-horsepower V-8 and advanced aluminum space frame construction that is rigid and lowers unwanted weight.

While the 130-mph A8 is plenty fast, the 155-mph S8 is for those who want even higher performance. This model is a highly refined muscle car from Audi's high-performance "S" division, which is similar to Mercedes' AMG and BMW's Motorsport hot rod divisions. The S8 has a modified, 360-horsepower version of the A8's 4.2-liter V-8, thanks to such items as higher-lift camshafts and a less restrictive exhaust system. The S8 also has beefier Brembo brakes to handle the added power, huge 45-series tires on larger (18-inch) wheels and a lowered, aluminum sport suspension.

The exhaust even sounds sportier. And Audi has the good sense to give the S8 a full-size spare tire--not a small space-saver spare that would be out of place in case of a flat. The S8's cosmetic touches are subtle. For instance, it has a pair of brushed aluminum mirrors and special six-spoke alloy wheels. There's also small S8 badging on the grille, trunk and a few other places. Even Audi says it "might take a second glance to notice these design elements."

Too bad Audi doesn't make the S8 stand out more because the car has the taut, but mostly nondescript styling, of the A8. It's one thing to be "elegantly subtle," as Audi puts it, when your cars are easily recognized, but quite another when you are competing in a fast league with more established sports-luxury sedans.
The S8 only is sold in regular-wheelbase form, whereas the A8 is offered for $62,200 with the regular wheelbase and as a $67,900 longer-wheelbase "L" model with more rear-seat room.

The S8 has a fairly long 113.4-inch wheelbase and decent space for four 6-footers. But the A8 L has a 118.5-inch wheelbase and is 5.1 inches longer overall. With the stretched wheelbase, there's limo-style rear passenger space.
On the other hand, a shorter wheelbase allows more nimble handling, and the S8 is designed to be the nimbler higher-performance version of the A8. That it is. The car streaks to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, compared with 7 seconds for the A8, and seems to have an endless supply of power for fast merging and passing.

The steering is quick and precise. But it's a little too light at high speeds, and the power assist doesn't provide much road feedback to the leather-wrapped wheel. The brake pedal takes getting used to because it's mushy. The ride is firm, but supple, and handling definitely is in the sports-sedan class.
The S8 handles significantly better and has shorter braking distances than the softer-edged A8, which is no slouch. An electronic stabilization system automatically intervenes if there's a risk that the S8 might skid.

The five-speed automatic transmission quickly upshifts, but occasionally downshifts in a lazy manner. Steering wheel controls allow manual shifting of the automatic, but seem to discourage downshifting.
Despite the fifth gear, highway fuel economy is only an estimated 21 mpg. And it's just 15 in the city. In contrast, the A8 delivers an estimated 17 city, 24 highway.

The quiet, plush interior has high-quality materials. Heated front bucket seats provide good support and the dashboard has a no-nonsense design. Radio controls are conveniently put above climate controls.
But power window controls are flush on the driver's door and threaten to break long fingernails. Doors have small storage pockets and rear windows roll down all the way. Smokers will appreciate the rear ashtrays, although they look as if they can't handle more than one cigarette.

Safety features include no less than eight airbags for front and side protection. The large trunk has a low, wide opening for easy, fast loading--although it's a long stretch to grab cargo at its far end. Someday, the S8 might get the attention and respect it deserves. Just thought you might want to know about it now.

AUDI S8

Price
$72,500
Likes
Startling performance. Unique aluminum construction. All-wheel drive. Roomy. Posh.
Dislikes
Nondescript styling. Overly light steering. Awkward power window controls.