2020 Audi S8

After a pause for the 2019 model year, the Audi S8 is back for 2020 with updated styling and new powertrain technology with mild hybridization that debuted last year in the A6 sedan. The new S8 design is current, but the car also benefits from new standard features, such as Amazon Alexa integration, a premium version of the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, and a first aid kit.

Audi offers the S8 in a single version. It uses a 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with a 48-volt electric motor that enhances performance. You get 563 horsepower and no less than 590 lb-ft of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission and the now-famous quattro all-wheel drive system that handles putting all that power to the pavement.

On the outside, all S8 models are equipped with 20-inch wheels, HD LED headlights, LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, soft-close doors, all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, trunk lid, and passive keyless entry.

The S8 cabin includes a smartphone interface, head-up display, Valetta leather trim and Valcona leather seats, ambient lighting, 22-way adjustable sport front seats with diamond stitching, massage functions and 4-way lumbar support, a Nappa leather console and armrest, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, power rear sunshades, digital gauge cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, navigation system, Audi Connect services, adaptive cruise control, a B&O stereo system, and an air ionizer with fragrance dispenser.

The safety suite includes a 360-degree exterior camera system, adaptive wipers with rain sensor, front and rear collision prevention assist, blind spot detection monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors.

Key Options

A laser lighting package adds laser beam high beams and organic LED (OLED) taillights. The driver assistance package includes Audi's active safety features, such as intersection assist, traffic jam and emergency assist, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and turn assist.

There are two option packages to increase the happiness index of rear seat occupants. One adds seat adjustments with lumbar support, heating with massage function. The other adds: USB charging ports, a separate music interface, and a DVD changer.

Fuel Economy

At the time of writing, Audi had not released its fuel consumption estimates for 2020. All we have for now are the ratings from the 2018 S8 model and its conventional V8 engine, at 16.2/9.9 L/100 km (city/highway). The new system with mild hybridization promises more economical performance. We will update these figures when Audi provides them.

Competition

The Audi S8 competes with cars such as the BMW M760Li versions and AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.