Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi S8 lineup is simple. The Core Model covers the Quattro and base names and delivers the full S8 idea: a discreet flagship sedan with strong performance, standard all-wheel drive, a premium cabin, and a comfort-focused ride. The Performance trim level is the 2016 S8 plus, which adds 605 horsepower, sharper suspension tuning, richer front-seat features, and more aggressive trim.
The Core Model trim level — sold as Quattro or simply base — is the understated S8, blending flagship-sedan comfort with serious performance and standard all-wheel drive.
Best for: Drivers who want a fast, polished full-size sedan that looks formal rather than flashy.
Highlights
The Performance trim level — the 2016 S8 plus — is the more aggressive S8, with extra power, sharper chassis tuning, and special styling details.
Best for: Drivers who want the S8's comfort and subtle shape with more speed and visual edge.
Highlights
Adds a 605-hp tune of the twin-turbo V8, S-specific suspension tuning, upgraded front seats, and Plus-specific styling over the Core Model.
0 in stock| Feature | Core Model | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | Quattro, base3 in stock | Plus0 in stock |
| Power and engine | 2009: 450-hp 5.2L V10; latest: 563-hp twin-turbo 4.0L V8 | 605-hp twin-turbo 4.0L V8 with overboost |
| Chassis focus | Sport-focused luxury setup | S-specific adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering |
| Front-seat features | 2009 Quattro: heated 16-way sport seats | 22-way heated, ventilated, and massaging seats |
| Styling theme | Discreet and formal | Darker, more aggressive Plus-specific details |
| Special trim details | Upscale S8 cabin finishes | Black Alcantara headliner and Carbon Atlas trim |
Usually one per model year. The 2009 car was a one-spec S8 Quattro, while newer cars are generally listed simply as Base. The main exception was 2016, when the stronger S8 Plus joined the regular S8; Plus then became the sole U.S. version for 2017 and 2018.
On newer S8s, Base means the single regular S8 configuration, not a stripped-down model. It already represents the full performance sedan, with a twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, advanced handling hardware, and luxury cabin technology.
For the 2009 S8, Quattro identifies the one-spec U.S. model and its standard all-wheel-drive system. It is not a separate luxury or performance step above another 2009 S8 trim.
The S8 Plus is the higher-output version introduced during the third generation. It uses a 605-hp tune of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and adds Plus-specific exterior and cabin details while retaining the S8’s full-size luxury-sedan comfort.
The S8 Plus is the stronger and more visually assertive version. Compared with the regular third-generation S8, it raises output from 520 to 605 hp and adds distinctive exterior trim, a rear lip spoiler, silver mirror caps, Carbon Atlas cabin trim, and a black Alcantara headliner.
They are labels from different eras, not two steps in one trim ladder. S8 Quattro refers to the 2009 V10 model with a six-speed automatic. Base generally describes newer twin-turbo V8 cars with an eight-speed automatic and much newer cabin technology.
No. The S8 Plus uses the same basic twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 found in the regular third-generation S8, but with a stronger 605-hp tune and an overboost function. Its distinction is higher output rather than a switch to another engine type.
The 2009 S8 Quattro is the V10 model in this trim history. It uses a 5.2-liter V10 producing 450 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Later Base and Plus models use twin-turbo V8 engines.
Look for the S8 Plus among the third-generation cars. Its 605-hp twin-turbo V8 is stronger than the regular 520-hp S8 from that era. The Plus arrived for 2016 and was the only U.S. S8 configuration in 2017 and 2018.
The regular S8 is the more understated choice. The S8 Plus has a darker, more aggressive presentation with Plus-specific trim, a body-color rear lip spoiler, silver mirror caps, and carbon-fiber-look cabin trim.
The 2009 S8 Quattro paired its V10 and all-wheel drive with sport air suspension, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, heated 16-way front sport seats, Bose audio, navigation, keyless entry and start, a power trunk, rear sunshades, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
On current-generation cars, the single Base trim includes the twin-turbo V8, eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, performance-focused rear-axle hardware, dual touchscreens with navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
No. The S8 Plus keeps substantial comfort equipment alongside its stronger engine. Its front seats have 22-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage, and memory, and the cabin includes navigation, a head-up display, an Alcantara headliner, and Carbon Atlas trim.