2015 Audi S8 Review: The Ultimate Sleeper Luxury Performance Sedan

Introduction: The Art of Understated Performance

In the rarefied world of six-figure luxury performance sedans, the 2015 Audi S8 stands apart as a masterclass in subtlety. While competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and BMW Alpina B7 announce their presence with bold styling cues, the S8 maintains Audi's signature restraint - a decision that endears it to executives and enthusiasts who prefer their 190mph capability wrapped in business attire.

Now in its fourth model year since the current generation's 2012 debut, the 2015 S8 receives minor but meaningful updates including revised LED lighting, a restyled grille, and an intriguing new interior color option. More importantly, it continues to deliver what made it special from the beginning: devastating acceleration, impeccable road manners, and that rare ability to transform from limousine to land missile at the touch of a button.

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Exterior Design: Quiet Confidence

Evolutionary Styling

Audi's design language has remained remarkably consistent across its sedan lineup, and the S8 benefits from this continuity. The 2015 model introduces:

• Redesigned Matrix LED headlights with improved illumination
• A more three-dimensional single-frame grille
• Revised taillights with new LED signature
• Quad oval exhaust tips replacing the previous rectangular units

These changes are subtle enough that only Audi enthusiasts will notice, which perfectly aligns with the S8's stealth wealth ethos. The car's most distinctive visual elements remain its standard 21-inch titanium-finish wheels and subtle S-model badging - the only real clues to its performance potential.

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Proportions and Presence

Unlike its A8L sibling, the S8 comes exclusively in the standard wheelbase configuration (117.8 inches), creating a more athletic profile. Key design elements include:

• Flared wheel arches accommodating the wide track
• A fastback-like roofline that enhances aerodynamic efficiency
• Discreet rear lip spoiler that deploys at speed
• Aluminum-intensive construction keeping weight to 4,685 lbs (impressive for its class)

Color options remain conservative, with Daytona Gray Pearl (as tested) representing one of the more distinctive choices among various shades of black, white, and silver.

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Performance: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Powertrain: Twin-Turbo Dominance

At the heart of the S8 lies Audi's exceptional 4.0-liter TFSI V8, sharing its basic architecture with engines found in Bentley models but tuned for sharper response. Key specifications:

• 520 horsepower @ 5800-6400 rpm
• 481 lb-ft of torque @ 1700-5500 rpm
• Twin-scroll turbochargers mounted inside the V for compact packaging
• Cylinder deactivation system for improved fuel economy
• 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with manual shift mode

The engine's broad torque plateau gives the S8 explosive acceleration from any speed, with Audi claiming 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds - a figure that feels conservative in real-world testing. More impressive is the powertrain's flexibility, equally happy crawling through traffic or hurtling toward its 190 mph governed top speed.

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Driving Dynamics: Two Cars in One

The S8's magic lies in its dual personality, enabled by Audi's Drive Select system with these key modes:

• Comfort: Prioritizes ride quality with softened damping, lighter steering, and earlier upshifts
• Dynamic: Firms suspension, weights steering, holds gears, and opens exhaust valves
• Individual: Allows mixing and matching preferences for each system

In Comfort mode, the S8 rivals luxury flagships for isolation and refinement. Switch to Dynamic, and it transforms into a legitimate sports sedan with startling immediacy. The air suspension's ability to control body motions despite the car's mass is particularly impressive, as is the quattro system's rear torque bias that lends surprising agility.

Interior: Business Class Comfort

Cabin Design and Materials

The 2015 model introduces a striking new interior option: Vermont Brown leather paired with "carbon twill copper" trim. This innovative material combines carbon fiber with copper threads that catch light beautifully. Standard features include:

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• Valcona leather upholstery with diamond stitching
• Power-adjustable heated/ventilated front seats with massage function
• Aluminum door sill inlays with S8 branding
• Four-zone automatic climate control

Audi's legendary build quality shines through in every detail, from the damped action of switches to the precise alignment of trim pieces. The cabin remains whisper-quiet at speed, aided by double-paned side glass and extensive sound deadening.

Technology and Connectivity

The S8 features Audi's third-generation MMI system with these highlights:

• 8-inch retractable central display
• Touchpad for handwriting recognition (optional)
• Google Earth integration for navigation
• 14-speaker Bose 3D sound system (Bang & Olufsen optional)
• Full-color head-up display

While the interface lacks the flash of newer touchscreen systems, its logical menu structure and physical controls remain superior for operation while driving. The optional Bang & Olufsen system delivers concert-hall audio quality, with rising tweeters adding theatrical flair.

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Competitive Landscape: How the S8 Stacks Up

Key Differentiators

While all four sedans deliver exceptional performance, the S8 distinguishes itself through:

• Value: Priced significantly below the S63 AMG while offering comparable performance
• Efficiency: Best-in-class highway fuel economy thanks to cylinder deactivation
• Stealth: Most understated design that doesn't attract unwanted attention
• All-weather capability: Standard quattro AWD outperforms rear-drive competitors in poor conditions
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Practical Considerations

Cargo and Storage

The S8's 13.2 cu-ft trunk trails competitors, constrained by the rear suspension's sophisticated geometry. Interior storage includes:

• Large center console bin with USB/Aux inputs
• Generous door pockets
• Rear seat pass-through (split-folding seats not available)

Safety and Driver Aids

While not NHTSA or IIHS rated (common in this class), the S8 offers available safety technologies including:

• Night vision assistant with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
• Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
• Top-view camera system
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Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the S8?

The 2015 Audi S8 makes the most compelling case for buyers who:

• Prioritize driving enjoyment but require executive-level luxury
• Appreciate understated design over flashy styling
• Value all-weather capability without sacrificing performance
• Want German engineering without the Mercedes/BMW badge prestige

While it may lack the ultimate power of the S63 AMG or the bespoke craftsmanship of the Alpina B7, the S8 delivers the most balanced and engaging driving experience in its class. Its relative value (especially when optioned judiciously) and everyday usability make it our top pick for enthusiasts who need four doors and continental-crossing capability.

For those considering a used example, the 2015 model's minor updates and typically strong Audi reliability make it an excellent choice in the $50,000-$60,000 range on the pre-owned market today.

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