2023 Audi S8

Executive sedans continue to put up a fight in a world quickly falling to the crossover SUV craze, and the Audi S8 serves as a double threat on the front lines, delivering excellent levels of luxury and comfort, along with genuine performance specs. The twin-turbo V8 comes paired with a mild-hybrid system for a combined 563 horsepower that will press you back into the seat when the throttle is applied. It takes only 3.8 seconds to get you and your passengers to 60 mph, all the while being enveloped in a plush, quiet cabin. And there is space enough in the back for even taller adults in this full-size exec with ample head and leg room to recline in sheer luxury.

The Mercedes-AMG S63 and BMW M760i are the main competitors to the Audi S8, so it's at risk from its own kind as much as SUVs. But with understated elegance and a well-balanced character, it may just be one of the best cars in the segment for those who don't like shouting about where they are in life.

You'd best believe that you will pay a pretty sum for this level of performance and luxury. In its most basic spec, the Audi S8 is priced at $120,500 in the USA, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,095. That price can quickly skyrocket if you go wild with the options, and fully loaded models will easily surpass $150k.

Make no mistakes, the S8 is a lot of car to handle, but the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood helps to keep it moving without a hassle. This is combined with highly responsive steering to create the illusion of a smaller sports sedan. Even though it's two tons of metal that you are throwing into the corners, the excellent balance of the vehicle, along with a sport rear differential and all-wheel steering, ensure it never loses its composure. That being said, if you try taking a hairpin turn at high speed, you'll quickly be reminded that this is a full-size sedan.

However, that means that it gets all the perks of a luxury flagship. These include a stellar suspension that easily eats up road imperfections, even at high speeds. The cabin is well-constructed, too, and the dual-pane acoustic glass muffles exterior noise to help create a serene yet sporty driving experience. The V8 still intrudes a little when pushed to its peak, but that glorious sound is hardly unwelcome. And when you are pushing it to the limits, you can count on the powerful brakes to bring you to a stop quickly and safely.

With the new Audi S8 sedan, the manufacturer is catering to a slightly different demographic than other German brands - it's not in your face in any way, shape, or form, but it's undoubtedly powerful, elegant, and comfortable. You can't fault its performance chops, and the luxury in the cabin is second to none. In particular, Audi is known for throwing in a lot more tech as standard than you'd find in a Merc or BMW, and the S8 is no exception. Some shoppers want a car that makes more of a statement, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one that offers this much well-rounded value. It's jam-packed with features and, despite not having an official safety review, the Audi S8 comes with a list of standard and available driver assists that will keep the whole family safe. It's easily one of the best full-size sports sedans in the USA, and we love it not in spite of its subdued styling - but because of it.

This standalone model is well equipped as is, but Audi gives new owners the opportunity to transform it into a truly luxurious machine. If we were buying, we'd get one in Vesuvius Gray with the Black Optic Package added. The S8 Executive Package is a must for the added driver assists, and we'd spec the Rear Seat Comfort Package for five passengers so everyone can enjoy the powerful sedan despite the weather. This also adds the Executive Package, by default for a total build cost of just over $130k.