Audi S8 Plus: The Speedy Senator

Here comes the near-600 horsepower S8 Plus, the last hurrah for the 3rd generation Audi A8, to woo the toniest of the lot

The need for speed is as old as the advent of transportation itself. In fact, the real intent behind the invention of the automobile was to get to places in the shortest time possible, beyond the capabilities of horse-drawn carriages etc. Almost simultaneously, came the element of luxury, and automakers believed that if they could successfully marry both elements in their vehicles, they'd create some of the best cars in the world - ones coveted by high-profile business moguls and senators. In this week's issue, we take a closer look at one such example: the superlative to the speedy flagship S8 from the house of Audi - the S8 Plus.

DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The S8 Plus is based on Audi's flagship A8 - a sophisticated, stately, full-size sedan. And at a length of 5,147 mm, it is hard not to call it a limousine. It is also rather wide at 1,949 mm and stands a substantial 1,458 mm tall. All those dimensions add to its presence - yet, it bears an understated look that associates itself less with being swoopy and more with regular geometric shapes of the rectangular kind.
Style-wise, if you are looking to parade in a car that mimics a suit, high in fashion and made to measure. this is it. It's a gorgeous ensemble that has not one panel or cue out of place. We adore the beautifully segmented LED headlamps for its feathers-of-a-wing-like detailing and its blacked out 'Singleframe' grille. The flowing body is so seamless, it renders the car a wind-cheating coefficient of just 0.28 Cd. Only a crease running the length of the body front breaks away from Audi's characteristic flat-panel design. The car comes with exclusive 21-inch wheels that have a dual-tone scheme matching the subdued aura of the super-limo. Bigger wheels also means it rides on larger 275/35 tyres that give it the advantage of larger contact patches, just as sports cars require.
Prejudice may have you convinced that this is a generic Audi that lacks the identity of a super-mobile but that isn't the case. Besides the 'S8' and 'V8 T' badges on the fenders that distinguish it from lesser cars, the S8 Plus also comes adorned in 'Floret Silver', a paint scheme exclusive to the model. and it may just be the most gorgeous livery we have seen on any car. This silvery matte finish combines well with what we call "dark matter", i.e. a combination of carbon-fibre enhancements and black trims, to create an aura of sophistication. And this dark matter is evident in the headlamps' inlays and darkened tail lights, gloss black grille, window trims, mirror housings, rear spoiler and more. Even the sport exhaust system branches into quad oval tailpipes that have a gloss black tone to them. The S8 Plus, quite simply, personifies speed.
So, by handing over that cheque for Dh550,000, you are gaining an abode of solace and an extension of your palatial mansion that is supremely spacious and well-appointed. It is needless to say that soft, flawless nappa leather is luxury's affirmation and it is found in abundance in the S8 Plus - on the doors, the dash and even over the instrument cluster. Audi has even taken it a step further by awning the roof, pillars and visors with alcantara. It's almost like no panel has been left untouched. What's more, the way the trims - whether plastic, leather or metal - coalesce without creaks or rattles is truly commendable and typically Audi!
It isn't just the beautifully crafted seats with diamond quilted upholstery and red contrast stitching that make it a welcome seating arrangement, but the fact that Audi has equipped the front seats with as many as 22-way power adjustments to suit a variety of people and postures. The steering column, too, can be adjusted for rake and reach. As for embellishments, there are enough wood and aluminium trims to build a boat with. And then there are the unique carbon-fibre panels that have hints of copper weaved into their patterns - these are the sorts of details that inform us of the complacent status quo of design in luxury vehicles.
The T-shaped shift lever is easy to engage and doubles as a place to rest your wrist, which helps in the long haul. Audi has also given audio a face. By that, I mean they have not chosen to conceal the speakers, but given almost all 19 speakers covers, with an exquisite metallic finish to add more shine to the cabin.
It's a spectacular interior but things are far from perfect. The steering should have been a flat-bottom variety; also, since the A8 is a generation old, so is its infotainment system. The smallish 8-inch screen can't compete with the giant 12.3 variety on flagships by other manufacturers. But it pops out and retracts in silky smooth fashion, like a respectful subordinate who bows away in silence. Again, if you are one for digitised instruments, you may not enjoy Audi's round analog ones with grey dials and white pointers - but we found them tasteful and even racy. Also, there are one too many buttons on the console as compared to the S-Class, but they're simpler to read and use, especially for those drawing closer to middle age.
The S8 has a beautiful and ergonomic interior but its A8-inspired design has peaked in the latter's near 10-year life cycle, from a visual and technological perspective. It needs a refresh to keep up with the competition.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
When Audi did away with its predecessor's 5.2-litre V10, which they pilfered from the Lamborghini Gallardo in 2010, the world was in dismay. Who wouldn't want a high-revving car that shouts thunder from its tail pipes on their front porch? But with the new age comes new toys and Audi has adopted this S8's 4.0 V8 TFSI range with twin-scroll turbo chargers. As the 'Plus' suggests, there are a lot of additions and increments. The boost pressure has been increased, and the exhaust valves and inner geometry of the turbocharger have been modified - enabling them to coax out an extra 84bhp from the motor and making it among the most powerful cars money can buy!
Also, do you know what 597 bhp and 750 Nm of torque feel like under your right foot? Think of it as a business class lounge that turns into a surgically guided missile, shot towards distant horizons in the wildest manner possible, every time you bury the throttle. Forget the high-spec German and Italian exotics; this thing could keep up with racecars.
In our timed tests, with launch control activated, it would clock close to the 3.9 seconds the company claims for the 0 to 100 km/h run. There is a world of difference in the power delivery, in comparison to its supercar sibling - the R8 V10 Plus, which generates similar horsepower. That one will rattle your bones and shock your eardrums, while this feels more like you are travelling in a high-speed train - one that will hit a derestricted 305 km/h top speed, while you read your newspaper. Granted that the S 63 AMG is a louder, more obnoxious beast, but it probably wouldn't matter when you are pulling away this fast.
As it fights mass and air friction to go faster, it is also capable of shedding speed equally well. Lean on the brakes and they bite so hard, you think the 8 and 4 piston calipers will puncture the massive 420mm and 370mm disc rotors - but they won't because they're made of carbon-fibre reinforced ceramic. The positive, progressive pedal feel is essential for something that weighs over two tonnes.
Regardless of road surfaces, pace and engine rpm, the S8 Plus delivers on the promise of solace within the cabin. Active Noise Cancellation phases out intrusive noise even while the engine is operating on four cylinders; and the ride quality, dictated by the waftability of its air suspension, keeps things very comfortable (albeit some vibration seeps through the large wheels and low-profile tyres).
The air suspension also allows us to adjust ride height by 10 and 20 mm, depending on the drive mode, and that helps lower the centre of gravity, when needed. If you take it to a canyon road or even test the limits of grip around a looping ramp at the intersection, rest assured the S8 Plus will remain planted and stay true to its intended course. The traction comes from the famed quattro all-wheel drive system that can vary torque between front and rear axles, but usually keeps a 40:60 split in normal driving. It also helps you power out of corners easily, something that's only possible in rear wheel drive vehicles with diligent deployment of power. If you are expecting tail out action and an organic steering feel though, this two-tonne limo may not be for you.
These days, automakers will spill any number to keep their edge over competition - a phenomenon we have become familiar with, thanks to the recent VW diesel car scandal. The S8 Plus emissions of 231 grams CO2 per kilometre seem optimistic and the 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres seem questionable, especially after our test car returned closer to 15l/100km. Having said that, this ride wasn't built to do the coniferous species any favours!

FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
While driving the S8 Plus, we were treated to ventilated seats with massagers, which is not something you see too often. This is no namesake press-and-punch either. There are a variety of programmes that allow various intensities and speeds. It does its bit to make you feel relaxed, but try not to compare it to the kind of treatment you'd get at a Thai spa. Air conditioning is not as potent as expected, but that is something most German cars suffer from. You do have individual settings for four zones though - a sort of democratic dimension to climate control.
Unlike any other manufacturer, Audi lets you link the car's navigation with Google maps via a 3G data connection. With that, it's almost as if you have a bird's-eye view of your car driving through a real city - and not some graphical representation. While on the move, you can also look up an address or location on the navigation system using the MMI controller, voice control or through the panel that recognises handwriting. All three methods apply to making calls and searching through your phone book too.
While driving, the head-up display helps to keep your eyes on the road as much as possible. There is the usual lane departure warning and blind spot alert and correction to keep you on track and away from neighbouring vehicles, while parking is made easier, thanks to parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
The real condiments of luxury are seen in the entertainment department. The optional Bang & Olufsen surround sound with its 14-channel system and 19 loudspeakers is the obvious choice for audiophiles, regardless of genre. In the rear, occupants can enjoy two high-resolution adjustable-angle 10.2-inch LCD displays that come with their own wireless headphones, DVD player, card readers and a dedicated 20 GB jukebox for storage. Audi was considerate enough to provide rear occupants with MMI Controller too - this gives you command over all functions, even if you aren't in the driver's seat.
In terms of stowage, you have plenty of cupholders and large bins in the doors, plus a decent-sized glovebox. More importantly, there is a deep squarish boot that offers 520 litres - more than enough space for your vacationing kit.

VERDICT
The 2016 Audi S8 is the pinnacle of the high-performance super-limo. The understated, but tastefully executed, exterior bears a unique 'sinister' look and curb appeal. On the move, it combines limo-like comfort and a mountain of propulsive power with a chassis that attempts to defy physics. Its Achilles' heel is its ageing interiors and the smallish infotainment screen. But the fact that it undercuts its arch rival, the S 63 AMG, by 100k and gives you the opportunity to play the protagonist from The Transporter. is simply priceless!

FUN FACT
There is an A8 L W12 available with the larger 6.3-litre W12 engine that wears a heftier base price of Dh556,800. It doesn't make as much power or torque nor does it move as fast. If the S8 is the speedy senator, think of this as the presidential version.

SPECIFICATIONS  
Body type: 5-seater; 4-door premium high-performance full-size sedan
Engine: Front-engine; twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8; all-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-speed tiptronic (automatic)
Peak output: 597 bhp @ 6100 - 6800 rpm; 700 Nm @ 1750 - 6000 rpm; 750 Nm w/Over Boost @ 2500 - 5500 rpm
0 to 100km/h: 3.8 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 305 km/h (electronically limited; claimed)
Price: Starting at Dh550,000
Pros: Understated "sinister" styling; rampant power; overall comfort; fit and finish
Cons: Model nearing the end of its life cycle; ageing interior décor; small infotainment screen
Editor's rating: 8.0/10 stars

wknd@khaleejtimes.com

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