2023 Audi S8: A Powerful Swan Song

Audi’s transition to electric mobility is progressing quite nicely. The German brand recently announced plans to introduce a battery-powered full-size sedan using the Grand Sphere concept as inspiration.

Consequently, the 2023 Audi A8 and S8 models return with no major changes beyond their mildly updated exterior. The Car Guide was among the media on hand in Munich a couple of days ago for a test drive of the refreshed S8. We also learned that the Canadian-spec A8 will no longer be available with a V8 or in plug-in hybrid configuration.

• Also: 2022 Audi A8 Gets Fresh Looks, New Model Exclusive to China
• Also: 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Becomes Canada’s Cheapest Luxury Electric SUV

Similar to the A8, the S8 boasts more assertive looks with a redesigned and chrome-accented Singleframe grille. Like every other S model from Audi, the mirror caps are finished in aluminum. In the rear, the four oval-shaped tailpipes make a powerful statement, too.

Regal Comfort at High Speeds

On those autobahn stretches with no speed limit, the 2023 Audi S8 proved supremely stable and comfortable, even when travelling at more than 200 km/h and watching the scenery disappear in an instant.

What makes this 563-horsepower, twin-turbocharged luxury sedan so charming is an ability to remain cool, calm and collected at all times. Everything feels smooth and effortless no matter what you do with it.

Adaptive Suspension, Active Steering

When leaving the highway for some secondary road, the Audi S8 uses its standard adaptive air suspension to take control of the pavement, especially when set to Dynamic mode which limits body roll to a mere 2.5 degrees.

Handling is remarkably sharp for such a large automobile. The air suspension does an excellent job of keeping weight transfers in check, so you feel almost zero nosedive during emergency braking manoeuvres. As you exit a corner, the standard sport rear differential makes a huge difference by sending more torque to the outside wheel. I’m not saying the S8 rides just like on rails, but it’s close.

When attacking super-twisty roads or driving downtown, the four-wheel active steering system considerably shortens the turning radius, giving the car A4-like agility. The suspension’s predictive algorithms also work wonders in these circumstances.

In Comfort mode at speeds up to 30 km/h, a camera scans the road for bumps and electromechanical actuators precondition the suspension to help mitigate the impact. Also, with the “elevated entry” function, the body is quickly raised by up to 50 mm when you pull the door handle, allowing easier entry and exit.

Fully Digital Cockpit

Inside, the 2023 Audi S8 features a fully digital interface with a configurable instrument panel and a dual-touchscreen setup for infotainment and HVAC control. So while it nears the end of the line, this car has all the modern tech you want.

Of course, it’s not as flamboyant as comparable BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models, but the S8 is a wonderful package of luxury, comfort and performance. Its future EV successor should be no different.