“The car is overly reliant on touch screens. To access nearly all functions, driver must look away from the road too long to navigate non-intuitive sub-menus. Audi's old MMI with the knob and buttons was better. The auto press has criticized Audi (and VW) for this. My next car will be a Golf R, which has received similar comments.”
Audi S8: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi S8 is a full-size luxury performance sedan that combines flagship comfort with strong V8 power, standard all-wheel drive, and unusually agile handling for its size. It is known as an understated alternative to flashier high-performance luxury sedans.
The S8 has long mixed executive-sedan comfort with serious speed in a discreet package. Earlier versions used a V10, while the model has relied on a twin-turbo V8 since its 2013 return to the U.S. Across generations, standard all-wheel drive and comfort-focused performance hardware have helped it feel secure, quiet, and more alert than its size suggests.
Strengths
- The S8 delivers real V8 performance without giving up the quiet ride and comfort expected from a flagship luxury sedan.
- Standard all-wheel drive gives it secure traction and is a consistent part of the model’s identity.
- Since the 2020 redesign, active suspension and rear-wheel steering have helped this large sedan feel more responsive and easier to place on the road.
- Its restrained styling suits buyers who want serious performance without a flashy appearance.
- Recent long-wheelbase models give rear passengers generous space, with the 2027 model providing 44.3 inches of rear legroom.
Who it's for
The S8 suits someone who wants one car for commuting, long trips, and genuinely quick driving without drawing much attention. It is especially appealing to shoppers who need the comfort and rear-seat space of a large luxury sedan but still care about how the car feels from behind the wheel.
Audi S8 lineup
Recent S8s are essentially one-model lineups, so shopping is more about model year, condition, and equipment than moving through a trim ladder. The regular S8 is the natural fit for someone who wants the model’s core blend of comfort, all-wheel-drive security, and V8 performance. For 2016, the S8 plus offered a more aggressive 605-horsepower version of the same twin-turbo V8, making it the choice for buyers who put extra power first. The S8 plus became the only U.S. version for 2017 and 2018.
Audi S8 generations
From 2009 to 2026, the S8 spans three generations. The current 4th Generation — D5 arrived for 2020, following the 3rd Generation — D4 (2013–2018).
4th Generation — D5 (2020–2026)
This S8 moved to the newer A8 platform with a twin-turbo V8, standard AWD, active suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a dual-touchscreen cabin. U.S. models use the roomier long-wheelbase body, and a 2022 refresh updated the styling and lighting.
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2026
A late-cycle carryover year with the same twin-turbo V8, AWD, cabin, and performance hardware.
2025
Standard equipment added 21-inch wheels and more leather trim, while the garage-door opener moved to physical buttons.
2024
Carryover year with no significant changes to the styling, powertrain, cabin, or touchscreen layout.
2023
The single-trim lineup carried over with the same twin-turbo V8, AWD, and core equipment.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling brought revised lighting and OLED taillights.
2021
Heated front armrests and 21-inch wheels became standard; the main mechanical parts and cabin design stayed the same.
2020New generation
The redesigned S8 returned after skipping 2019, gaining a newer platform, active suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a dual-touchscreen cabin.
3rd Generation — D4 (2013–2018)
This generation replaced the older V10 with a 520-hp twin-turbo V8 and used a lighter, aluminum-intensive body. It received a styling refresh for 2015, followed by the 605-hp S8 plus for 2016.
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2018
The S8 plus carried over as the only U.S. version, making this the final model year of the generation.
2017Trim changes
The regular S8 left the lineup, making the higher-output S8 plus the only U.S. version.
2016Trim changes
The S8 plus joined the lineup with a 605-hp version of the twin-turbo V8.
2015Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling, revised LED lighting, and small cabin and technology changes refreshed the existing generation.
2014
Blind-spot monitoring became standard; the styling and main mechanical parts carried over.
2013New generation
The redesigned S8 returned with a 520-hp twin-turbo V8, standard AWD, an eight-speed automatic, and a lighter body.
2007–2009 U.S. Generation (2007–2009)
This full-size performance sedan used a 5.2-liter V10, standard AWD, and a six-speed automatic. The supplied years identify 2009 as its final U.S. model year.
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2009
More convenience equipment became standard, including a rearview camera, keyless entry and start, a power trunk, power door-close assist, and rear sunshades.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi S8.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Audi S8?
The Audi S8 is a full-size luxury performance sedan. It combines a quiet, roomy cabin with strong engine power, standard all-wheel drive, and suspension and steering hardware designed to make a large car feel more responsive.
Is the S8 just an A8 with sportier styling?
No. The S8 shares the A8’s flagship-sedan foundation, but it adds a stronger engine and performance-focused suspension, steering, and rear-axle hardware. Its upgrades affect how it accelerates and handles, not just how it looks.
Does the Audi S8 come as a hybrid?
The S8 is primarily a gas-powered performance sedan. Recent models pair the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with mild-hybrid assistance, but the S8 is not presented as a full hybrid model.
Does every Audi S8 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every U.S.-market S8 era covered here uses Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. That includes the older V10 car, the third-generation twin-turbo V8 models, and the current-generation S8.
Does the Audi S8 have a V8 or a V10?
It depends on the era. The 2009 S8 used a 5.2-liter V10. The S8 returned for 2013 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, and the current generation continues with a newer version of that twin-turbo V8.
Is the Audi S8 roomy enough for rear-seat passengers?
Yes, especially in the current generation. U.S. models since the 2020 return use the long-wheelbase body, and the latest specifications show seating for five and 44.3 inches of rear legroom. The 2013–2018 S8 used a shorter body.
What are the main Audi S8 generations to know?
The older V10 generation ended in the U.S. after 2009. A twin-turbo V8 generation ran from 2013 through 2018, followed by a one-year absence. The current generation arrived for 2020 and received a styling and lighting update for 2022.
Who is the Audi S8 a good fit for?
The S8 suits someone who wants flagship-sedan comfort and serious performance without attention-grabbing styling. It is particularly appealing if rear-seat space, all-weather traction, a quiet cabin, and an engaging driving feel all matter.
Audi S8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi S8.
4.3
Audi S8
(53 reviews)
“Great car. Fun to drive. Awesome features. Best combination of sensible sedan and fast car. Understated. V8 limits gas mileage.”
“This is truly the ultimate driver's car. It's a high-powered luxury sedan that can both ride quickly and ride comfortably. This is not a luxury sedan to be chauffeured in but rather you want to drive somewhere and really enjoy it while feeling rested at the same time.”
“great car with lots of power yet really comfortable to sit in and drive. Has lots of innovative items and designs. Really great car to own and drive.”
“I've been driving Audi's for the last 11 years and I'm in love with the brand. I have never been disappointed and I feel very safe driving an Audi and highly recommend to anyone.”
“Germans need to measure the average size of beverage containers in the United States. I can hardly find a cup that will squeeze into cup holders in the front seat. I love the car and the one thing I use every day (cupholder) is too small. Just 1/2 inch larger would make a huge improvement.”
Sources
- audiusa.com — S8 Sedan / 2026 / Overview
- audiusa.com — S8 Sedan / 2024 / Overview
- audiusa.com — Video Tutorials / 2025 / A8
- audiusa.com — S8 Sedan / 2021 / Overview
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2019 / MC 10164195 0001
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2017 / MC 10127774 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2016 / SB 10105910 2280
- parts.audiusa.com — Audi 2016 S8 Plus Sedan / Engine