Background
The A8 or its sporty variant S8 have always been setting the trend in all Audi models, It is a vehicle that is offered in two configurations, the short body -which is the vehicle we are evaluating today- and the one with the longest wheelbase to make the rear space bigger and is called with an L (which means Long).
Audi S8 2023: Design
MEASUREMENTS (in mm)
- Length: 5,190
- Width: 1.945
- Height: 1,475
- Wheelbase: 2,998
- Weight: from 2,220 to 2,295 kg (depending on equipment)
2023 Audi S8: Specifications
let’s not forget that For some years now, Audi has provided all its high-end vehicles with a degree of light hybridization. -bivalence with combustion and electrical mechanics- and this assistance should not be confused with a 100% hybrid vehicle and here I explain the reason.
What is a MILD Hybrid and how does it work?
It consists of a control unit, an electric motor that helps the combustion engine to work more lightly, since all the electrical peripherals are powered by the battery of the aforementioned engine, that is, the gasoline engine does not have the usual loads. that reduce its efficiency and it does not have accessory pulleys attached such as the air conditioning compressor that exert a brake or a greater work.
The electric motor/generator feeds a battery, which also stores the energy generated by the braking system.
Unlike conventional hybrid cars, the Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) system is connected to a crankshaft pulley, but instead of taking power away, it gives it a boost when the combustion engine needs it, for example during hard acceleration.
The energy generated and stored is transformed from 48v to 12v and is used by accessories such as electric windows, the infotainment system or assistance systems such as ABS, the power supply for the electronic management of differentials and many auxiliary systems, the internal combustion engine Not having that workload works much more efficiently and therefore CO2 emissions are reduced and therefore consumption is much more efficient.
Powertrain
- Engine: V8 4.0L TFSI (Twinturbo)
- Power: 571 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2,050 at 4,500 rpm
- 48V electric motor
Audi S8 2023: Infotainment
Living with the infotainment system It is complex and intimidating at first since there are hundreds of commands that you have to analyze but it is quite intuitive after a few minutes of manipulating it.
The driver has a vast amount of information displayed on THREE HD screensthe first is located in the instrument panel, in the S8 -as in the A8 that we tested a long time ago- there is no longer any physical indicator, everything is virtual, so where previously there was a “cluster” of instruments is the already famous Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch screen completely configurable to the driver’s taste, where relevance can be given or subtracted to some instruments like the tachometer or the speedometer to weight, for example the map of the navigator. At the center of the board we find a second screen, a 10.1-inch touchscreen.where we have practically all the functions of the S8, from the musical selection, to the control of ambient lighting, as well as the total control of a Smartphone linked via USB cable or wirelessly, and if this seems little to us below there is another touch screen, smaller than 8.6 inches that displays other functions and that also gives us the potion to write on it with the fingertip, for example to search for an address in the browser, or, if necessary, carry out an internet search, writing with “your fist” on the screen, or using the traditional commands of a keyboard similar to that of a SmartPhone or a tablet, but with the function of being able to “drag” the finger between letters, which makes writing much faster.
The S8 has a slot for a SIM card, and if the port is enabled it becomes a HotSpot for up to five mobile devices. (Obviously you have to hire and pay for a data plan linked to that SIM)
I repeat, living with the infotainment system is complex and intimidating at first, since there are thousands of commands that must be analyzed, but it is quite intuitive after a few minutes of manipulating it.
Audi S8 2023: Safety
- Audi PRE Sense front
- Audi PRE Sense rear
- Audi side assist
- Automatic SOS call
Audi S8 2023: Experience on board
This time I will divide the driving experience into two sections, the first behind the wheel, and the second from the back seat.
behind the wheel
Simply by sitting in the driving position and knowing the credentials that the S8 has -a V8, more than 500 hp and a similar figure of torque- and that they give us a preview of the powers of this huge sedan.
At the moment of pressing the start button there is a parade of lights and flashes on the screens that show all the vital signs of the vehicle, but there is no shocking sound as if it happens, for example, in the R8 V10 that we also tested recently, Despite the fact that the S8 is the sports version of this huge sedan, discretion is a prerequisite, but poise and good handling is the strong card.
The response of the twinturbo engine and the steered rear axle
The S8 is a sedan of more than five meters, a large vehicle with its PROS and CONS, and thinking about the maneuverability this sedan has an interesting combination of two directional axles, in the front the direction can be as direct as is sought in a Sporty handling, or as smooth as parking maneuvers require, the rear axle is also steerable and resolves the classic conflict of interest between stability and sporty behaviour. Depending on the speed, the steering ratio varies between 9.5:1 and 16.5:1.
A variable gear is used at the front axle, while at the rear, a rack can rotate the wheels by up to 5 degrees. At speeds of up to 60 km/h the rear wheels spin in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle by up to one metre. At speeds above 60 km/h, the wheels turn in the same direction making it much more stable.
- Acceleration0 to 100 km/h: 3.8 sec
- Maximum speed: 250 km/h (electronically governed)
Now let’s live the experience in the back seat.
As I said well, the driving experience is divided into two, and If you have come this far, it means that you have been interested in how versatile the S8 is and to finish this long chronicle I will tell you about my experience in the back seat.. It’s just like flying in an executive jet, the seat has many electrical features, highlighting heating or ventilation, massage and the option for a more comfortable and relaxed posture. Behind the front headrests there are huge touch screens that offer us a connection via wireless (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or by means of a cable where content from devices external to the vehicle can be replicated -read telephone, tablet or computer-. The spaces in the second row are spacious and designed for comfort.
Conclusion
The offer of the Germans in this segment is quite complete, since the rivals -read Mercedes-Benz and BMW offer vehicles of the same level of equipment and with similar performances, The price of the S8 starts at $3,279,900 pesos (MXN) and although it seems ironic, you can still add some extras that will make it more exclusive and personal.
