What are the differences between Audi S8 and A8?
3 Answers
Audi A8 and S8 mainly have the following differences: 1. Different appearance: The air intake grille of the Audi S8 is made of chrome-plated grid, and its front bumper is equipped with an air kit; while the air intake grille of the Audi A8 is made of hard plastic, and the front bumper does not have an air kit. 2. Different interior: The A8 steering wheel is a four-spoke wood steering wheel, and the door panel decorations are also made of wood; while the S8 has a three-spoke black leather steering wheel, and its door panel decorations are made of carbon fiber. 3. Different equipment: The A8 has air suspension; while the S8 has a sports version of air suspension.
I have deep feelings about the differences between the Audi S8 and A8! The S8 is the high-performance version of the A8, offering an exhilarating driving experience with its powerful acceleration and roaring engine—it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just about 4 seconds, while the standard A8 takes over 6 seconds, making it more suited for smooth and relaxed driving. For daily use, the A8 is much more comfortable, with softer suspension that makes long drives less tiring, whereas the S8 has a stiffer suspension setup, providing better cornering stability but more noticeable vibrations. Price-wise, the S8 is significantly more expensive, nearly double the cost of the A8, and insurance premiums are higher too. Under the hood, the S8 boasts a monstrous V8 engine with over 600 horsepower, while the base A8 might have just over 300 hp. The two cars also differ in appearance—the S8 comes with larger wheels, quad exhausts, and a more aggressive look, while the A8 has elegant and understated lines. Driving the S8 feels like being on a racetrack, but it guzzles fuel quickly, so city commuting requires some restraint. In short, if you love speed and thrills, go for the S8; if comfort and practicality are priorities, the A8 is the better choice—just don’t overlook the maintenance costs.
As a frequent driver, I believe the core differences between the Audi S8 and A8 lie in performance and practicality. The S8 delivers more aggressive power output, with faster acceleration and sharper responsiveness. Its suspension is tuned for sportiness, offering clear road feedback, which is exhilarating for those seeking driving pleasure. However, its fuel consumption is higher, potentially exceeding 15L/100km in city driving. In contrast, the A8 is much more economical, averaging around 10L, with a smoother ride suitable for commuting. Both models offer similarly spacious interiors, with ample legroom in the rear, making them ideal for family trips. In terms of interior features, the S8 comes with sport seats that provide better support, while the A8's seats are softer and more relaxing. Maintenance costs are also higher for the S8 due to its more customized parts, whereas the A8's standard components are cheaper and easier to repair. High-tech features like full digital instrument clusters are standard in both, and they are equally well-equipped with driving assistance systems. Having test-driven both, I find the S8 more suited for weekend joyrides seeking thrills, while the A8 is a reliable daily companion. Considering budget, the A8 is the more cost-effective and worry-free choice for everyday use.
