2016 Audi S8 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2016 Audi S8 is a premium luxury car that has been strapped with several high-performance goodies. The big sedan’s supercharged engine gives it enough power to race past many of today’s sports cars. Although the 2016 Audi S8 is an extremely expensive vehicle, it does perform as advertised. Not only does the S8 look spectacular, but it is also equipped with a long list extravagant components. Amazingly, this sporty sedan also delivers shockingly good gas mileage.

What’s new for 2016?

Although the 2016 Audi S8 is mechanically the same as the outgoing model, the exterior has received a few styling updates. This equates to an even sportier appearance.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Audi S8 - The Pros

1) High-Powered Engine

Very few full-size sedans can trump the performance of the 2016 Audi S8. This beast is motivated by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter, V-8 engine. With a total output of 520 horsepower and 481 pound-feet, the Audi S8 delivers an insane level of performance. When tested at the track, the sedan jetted to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds.

2) Tiptronic Transmission

A manual gearbox is not available for the 2016 Audi S8. However, the Tiptronic automatic transmission is designed to maximize the car’s potential. When cruising along the highway, the transmission quietly does its job. If the driver punches the throttle, the Tiptronic transmission changes gears at an outrageously fast pace. For the drivers who want to manually change the gears, there are a set of shift paddles mounted along the steering column.

3) Decent Gas Mileage

High-performance sedans are not usually known for their good fuel efficiency. However, the S8 is certainly not bad on gas. During highway trips, the full-size sedan can easily average 27 mpg. Due to the engine’s substantial amount of torque, the driver only needs to lightly touch the gas pedal. The less powerful Chevrolet SS sports sedan only delivers 21 mpg on the highway.

4) Striking Appearance

While the 2016 S8 is certainly a very sporty-looking sedan, the majority of onlookers may underestimate its performance capabilities. If the car shopper is looking for a wolf in sheep’s clothing, the Audi S8 is the perfect choice. The car’s muscular body lines will help it to remain attractive for many years to come.

5) Quattro AWD Grip

The 2016 Audi S8 comes standard with Audi’s award-winning AWD system. As soon as the on-board computer detects wheel slippage, the Quattro AWD system responds immediately. When driving on a snow-packed road, the extra traction will certainly help the driver to avoid getting stuck. Unlike some AWD systems, the Quattro system does not ruin the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

6) Easy to Drive

It does not take much effort to drive the 2016 Audi S8. The driver can just relax and enjoy the sedan’s effortless performance. Active features such as the adaptive cruise control system make the S8 an even more rewarding sports sedan. The multi-position driver’s seat also comes in handy on long road trips.

7) Impeccable Interior

The 2016 Audi S8 has one of the most extravagant interiors in its class. Rear-seat passengers will especially love the sedan's overall spaciousness. Meanwhile, the front seat's built-in massage function provides an unbelievable degree of comfort. The S8 also comes standard with high-grade leather upholstery.

8) Ample Technology

Like most vehicles in its price range, the 2016 Audi S8 provides access to a lot of technology. A top-view camera system allows the driver to quickly spot potential obstacles. Some of the other interior goodies include a dynamic Bose audio system, Audi’s MMI infotainment system, and a high-tech gauge cluster. When carrying an armload of groceries, the power trunk lid will surely come in handy.

9) Great Handling

Although the S8 is a full-size sedan, it handles the road like a tiny sports car. Its air suspension system has the ability to adapt to the specific road conditions. A set of 21-inch performance tires also help the sedan to hug the pavement. The S8 is truly exciting when traveling on a twisty road.

10) Sport Exhaust

Available as an option, the sport exhaust emits an extremely aggressive rumble. The deep tone of the exhaust definitely boosts the Audi S8’s fun factor. Although the sport exhaust is louder than the stock setup, it is far from being obnoxious.

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2016 Audi S8 - The Cons

1) Very Costly

Most car shoppers will find the Audi A8 to be very expensive. The average sticker price is an eye-popping $120,000.

2) No Manual Transmission

Traditional sports cars are usually available with a manual transmission. Although the S8 is a thrilling vehicle, there are some drivers who will not settle for an automatic gearbox.

3) Average-Sized Trunk

While the S8’s trunk space is adequate, some people may still desire more cargo room.

How the 2016 Audi S8 stacks up against the competition:

The 2016 Audi S8 competes against exotic sedans such as the Porsche Panamera and the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. The new Jaguar XJR is also a key challenger. However, the Audi S8 stands out due to its reasonable gas mileage. In comparison to the BMW Alpina B7, the S8 is the most attractive-looking sports sedan.

Conclusion:

For the car shoppers who can afford a $120,000 sports sedan, the 2016 Audi S8 will offer an unbeatable driving experience. Although it is a large car, it performs just as well as a smaller vehicle. The S8’s lavish interior puts it on an even higher pedestal. When fitted with the sport exhaust, the sedan sounds just as spectacular as it looks.