The refreshed Audi S8 has touched down in South Africa, retaining its 420 kW twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. Here’s how much Ingolstadt’s rapid luxury saloon costs…
Audi South Africa has announced pricing for its refreshed S8 sedan, which again does duty as the only A8 derivative available locally.
As before, the performance version of the D5-generation luxury saloon draws its urge from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which generates an unchanged 420 kW and 800 Nm, delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The result is again a sprint from 0-100 kph in a claimed 3.8 seconds.
The price? Well, the updated S8 starts at R2 759 000, which is some R275 000 more than what the pre-facelift version cost at launch in April 2021.
Predictive active suspension – which is able to load or unload each wheel with additional power individually via an electric motor and thereby actively regulate the position of the chassis in any driving situation – is again part of the standard equipment list.
The mild refresh is largely a cosmetic one, with the latest version of the S8 gaining a marginally sharper exterior design. The base of the single-frame grille, for instance, is now wider, while chrome trim pieces that increase in size from bottom to top adorn the grille itself.
The side air intakes are more upright than before, while the headlight design has been tweaked as well. As before, the S8 sports familiar Audi Sport exterior components, from four tailpipes and distinctive blades around the air intakes to digital Matrix LED headlights and OLED taillights.
Audi SA also offers a R20 000 Black Appearance Package for the S8.
Inside, you’ll find the Ingolstadt-based firm’s Virtual Cockpit Plus as well as the latest MMI Navigation Plus system, while a night-vision assistant system is available as an option. The touch-response operating concept remains in place, relying on a pair of displays (10.1 and 8.6 inches, respectively) and voice control.
Standard features include 21-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel steering, adaptive cruise control, Valcona leather upholstery (with diamond stitching), seat ventilation (with a massage function) and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system (though you can upgrade to an “advanced” version for an extra R105 000).
Specify the optional rear seat package (for an additional R60 000) and passengers back there score a 3-seat system including a pair of electrically adjustable individual pews. The latter also gain pneumatic 4-way lumbar support, a memory function and crash protection via side airbags. Infotainment is also available for rear-seat passengers in the form of two 10.1-inch displays, which add R33 500 to the price.
How much does the Audi S8 cost in South Africa?
Audi S8 4.0 V8 TFSI quattro – R2 759 000
A 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan is included in the purchase price.
