2025 Audi S8
Our VerdictThe 2025 Audi S8 is an ultra-luxury sedan that wraps a thundering 563-hp V8 in a refined, tech-laden cabin, delivering “a character-filled, immensely rewarding and sharp-handling executive rocket ship”. However, its subtle styling and thirst for premium fuel mean it’s not for the flashy or frugal.
Luxury-Performance Enthusiasts, Tech-Focused Buyers
Budget-Conscious Buyers, Big Families
The Case For
- Thunderous V8 power & quick acceleration
- Agile handling for its size
- First-class interior quality & tech
- Spacious rear seating
Considerations
- Poor fuel economy
- Pricey options for key features
- Small trunk space
Who It's For
The 2025 Audi S8 is a flagship luxury sedan built for those who want limousine-like comfort and adrenaline-pumping performance. Under the hood lives a 563-hp twin-turbo V8 that turns this dignified four-door into an executive rocket ship on demand. Yet the S8 remains every bit an Audi luxury cruiser: the ride is whisper-quiet and cushiony, the cabin lavishly trimmed in leather and carbon fiber, and the latest in infotainment and driver aids are at your fingertips. The S8 is a sleeper sedan that’s equally at home chauffeuring clients as it is carving up highway on-ramps.
Choose Your Specification
S8 4.0T quattro
~$126,595High-Performance Luxury
Audi keeps things straightforward with the S8, offering a single, fully loaded trim that blends supercar-level performance with flagship luxury. Its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 delivers 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, launching the 5,200-pound sedan from 0–60 mph in about 3.8 seconds. Standard features include adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, Quattro AWD, Valcona leather, heated and ventilated 22-way power front seats, Bang & Olufsen audio, and Audi’s dual-screen MMI system. The long-wheelbase body provides generous rear legroom. The Executive Package adds a head-up display, adaptive cruise assist, blind-spot monitoring, and heated power rear seats, while the Luxury Package enhances rear comfort with reclining massaging seats and premium amenities. All told, the 2025 S8 offers an intoxicating blend of speed, comfort, and cutting-edge tech, provided you’re willing to pay for its few optional luxuries.
- Delivers the ideal balance of performance and technology for most buyers
- Adding the Executive Package brings niceties like a head-up display and upgraded driver assists
- Head-up display & Audi’s adaptive cruise with lane guidance make daily driving safer
- Heated, power-adjustable rear seats ensure that passengers ride in comfort
- You still get the full-force 563-hp V8, Quattro AWD, and active suspension at a price that undercuts some less powerful rivals
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | S8 4.0T quattro |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (MHEV) |
| Horsepower | 563 hp |
| MPG(City/Hwy) | 15/24 |
| Seating | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 12.5 cu. ft. |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic (auto) |
| MSRP | ~$126,595 |
| Car Type | Full-size sedan |
The Cost of Ownership
Here is the Audi S8's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on an average U.S. driver covering ~12,000 miles/year. Fuel costs calculated at ~18 mpg combined on premium gas (~$4.20/gal). Keep in mind, actual costs can vary by region, driving style, and insurance provider
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Understated Muscle
The S8 wears its performance credentials subtly. At a glance, it looks like an elegant A8 limousine, with a long 209-inch profile and Audi’s signature oversized grille. Only the keen eye notices the sporty cues: the deeper front air intakes, quad exhaust outlets, red brake calipers, and the optional Black Optic package’s dark trim. Audi’s HD Matrix-design LED headlights and OLED taillights not only turn heads but also adapt intelligently for oncoming traffic. Overall, the design is sleek and dignified, making it perfect for those who prefer understated wealth over flashy flair.
Interior
4.5Sumptuous & Tech-Laden
Inside the S8, Audi’s craftsmanship is immediately evident. The cabin features rich Valcona leather with diamond quilting, extended across the dash and doors for 2025, paired with real aluminum and carbon-fiber accents. A clean, modern layout centers on dual touchscreens and a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display. The 22-way power front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom with available power and massage functions. Ambient LED lighting enhances the upscale feel at night. While the tech is advanced, touch-based controls require brief acclimation. The optional four-seat executive setup elevates the experience to private-jet-level luxury.
Safety
4.5Built to Protect
The Audi S8 is loaded with advanced safety and driver-assistance tech, though some are optional. Standard equipment includes Audi Pre Sense (forward collision warning with auto-braking), lane-departure warning, and a surround-view camera. Add the Executive Package, and you get Audi Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring) with Rear Pre Sense, Intersection Assist, and adaptive cruise assist with lane centering. Although the S8 itself hasn’t been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, the mechanically similar A8 earned a top five-star NHTSA rating for its crash performance. Additional safety comes from features like night vision assist and a head-up display (packages), and up to 10 airbags. Overall, the S8 provides a comprehensive safety net, fitting for a car in this class.
Warranty
3.5Solid Standard Coverage
Audi provides a warranty that’s on par with other German luxury brands, though not as generous. The new vehicle limited warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles, which covers the entire car, including the powertrain. Audi also includes 4 years of 24-hour roadside assistance for peace of mind. Corrosion perforation is covered for 12 years (unlimited miles), reflecting the car’s high-quality aluminum construction. Reliability-wise, the S8’s complex engineering hasn’t shown glaring issues, but long-term upkeep of a high-performance luxury sedan can be pricey once out of warranty. Overall, the S8’s warranty is adequate but not standout.
Fuel Economy
3Thirsty V8
No surprises here: a 563-hp V8 in a big AWD sedan isn’t gentle at the pump. The 2025 S8 is rated at 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (18 mpg combined) by the EPA, and it demands premium 91-octane fuel. In real-world mixed driving, you might see ~20 mpg if you’re light on the throttle, but any spirited driving will guzzle considerably more. With a 21.7-gallon tank, expect roughly 350 miles of range between fill-ups. The S8’s fuel costs will be among the highest in the luxury sedan segment, so buyers should budget accordingly.
Tech & Infotainment
4.5Feature-Packed, Some Learning Curve
Technology is a standout feature of the Audi S8. Its MMI system uses dual haptic touchscreens (a 10.1-inch upper display for navigation and media, and an 8.6-inch lower screen for climate and shortcuts) paired with a crisp 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit for the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charger, and USB-C ports come standard. A 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system delivers rich sound, with an optional 23-speaker upgrade available. Wi-Fi hotspot and Amazon Alexa are included. Most controls are touch-based, requiring brief adjustment, but voice commands and steering-wheel controls help reduce distraction. Overall, the S8 is one of the most tech-laden cars in its class.
Performance & Handling
5Supercar in a Suit
The S8 delivers breathtaking performance for its size. Its twin-turbo V8 produces 563 hp and 590 lb-ft, launching from 0–60 mph in about 3.8 seconds with relentless, effortless acceleration. Quattro AWD ensures confident traction, while standard all-wheel steering, a sport rear differential, and adaptive air suspension make the S8 feel far smaller and more agile than it is. Steering is light but well-weighted, and massive brakes provide strong stopping power. Switch to Comfort mode, and the S8 transforms into a quiet, plush cruiser. This dual personality - luxury sedan and performance machine defines the S8.
New This Year
- Larger 21” alloy wheels (with summer tires) and upgraded leather on armrests and dash
- Executive Package now includes a head-up display plus heated, power-adjustable rear seats
- Luxury Package adds ventilated massaging rear seats, matrix-design LED reading lights, a rear-seat remote control, heated rear armrests, and a suede headliner
Cars similar to the 2025 Audi S8
The Audi S8 squares off against other flagship luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, each offering its own spin on performance, technology, and comfort in the executive sedan realm.
2025 Audi S8
2025 BMW 760i xDrive
2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580| Aspect | 2025 Audi S8 | 2025 BMW 760i xDrive | 2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Thrilling 563‑hp twin-turbo V8; Quattro AWD | Smooth twin-turbo V8 (536 hp) | Silky V8 power (496 hp) with effortless acceleration |
| Tech & Interior | Dual-touchscreen cockpit, top-notch build quality | Curved dual screens; available rear theater screen | Classic luxury interior with OLED display and ambient lighting |
| Practicality | Standard long-wheelbase body; small trunk (12.5 cu. ft.) | Largest trunk in class (~18 cu. ft.). RWD or AWD available | Generous rear seat space; trunk ~13 cu. ft. |
| Comfort & Space | Adaptive air suspension. Optional massage and recline | Cushy, isolated ride. Available reclining, massaging rear seats | Plush ride quality. Available heated armrests, cooling, and infusion of relaxing scents |
| Who's It For? | Driving enthusiasts who want to drive a luxury sedan and enjoy spirited performance without sacrificing rear-seat luxury | Tech-savvy luxury buyers and executives who love innovation | Traditional luxury seekers and VIPs who want the ultimate classic luxury experience for driver and passengers alike |
| Best Choice For | All-weather performance Understated sporty design Engaging driving experience | Cutting-edge tech Spacious cabin & trunk Quiet ride | Ultimate ride comfort High-end cabin Flagship prestige |
Asked & Answered
How is the S8 different from a regular Audi A8?
The S8 is the high-performance version of Audi’s A8 flagship sedan. It swaps the A8’s 335-hp turbo V6 for a 563-hp twin-turbo V8, giving it dramatically quicker acceleration (0-60 in ~3.8s vs ~5.6s). The S8 also comes standard with sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, Audi’s sport rear differential and all-wheel steering (for sharper handling), and unique S-model styling touches (quad exhausts, sport seats, etc.). In essence, the S8 delivers a much more exhilarating drive, while the A8 55 TFSI is tuned more for quiet comfort.
How fast is the 2025 Audi S8?
It’s extremely fast for a big sedan. Audi quotes 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds for the S8, thanks to launch control and Quattro traction. In independent tests, it’s been recorded at around 3.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This means the S8 can easily keep pace with (or beat) many sports cars in a straight line.
Does the Audi S8 require premium gasoline?
Yes. The S8’s high-performance twin-turbo V8 is designed for 91 octane premium fuel or higher. Using premium gas is important to ensure the engine delivers its advertised 563 hp and operates efficiently. While the car will technically run on lower octane in a pinch, doing so can reduce performance and efficiency, and is not recommended by Audi.
Is the Audi S8 good in winter and snow?
Yes, the S8’s standard Quattro all-wheel drive provides excellent traction in wet or snowy conditions. The S8 also has advanced stability control and can adjust power between wheels to maintain grip. That said, the tires are crucial: S8s often come with summer performance tires (for optimal on-road grip), which are not suitable for snow. If you live in a snowy region, you’ll want to equip the S8 with winter tires or all-season tires (Audi offers all-season tires as a no-cost option from the factory). With the right tires, the S8’s AWD and its decent ground clearance will handle typical winter roads with confidence.