The Best Car In The World? (Audi S8 2024 Review)

Even better than an S-Class? Detailed review and test of the 2024 Audi S8 luxury sedan, including 0-100km/h, ride quality and handling.
The Audi S8 is the V8 flagship sedan from the German brand and a rival to the BMW 760i / i7 M70 and the Mercedes-AMG S63. But the S8 takes a subtly different approach to those cars: it is understated.
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
1:04 - Who buys an S8?
2:10 - Interior
4:43 - Back seats
6:39 - Styling
7:08 - 505L boot space
7:27 - Servicing and warranty
8:15 - Fuel economy
8:27 - Driving dynamics
14:27 - Verdict
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[@nikitaanikeev1884]

Watching reviews for cars I can’t afford to buy 😂

[@maxnewts]

Relatable 😂

[@Adrianek81]

Same😜

[@samarkan7374]

Same😅

[@samartz]

they will depreciate like stone in water then us guys can afford later 😅

[@seanreddy7268]

It’s my favourite past time

[@derekwalsh1935]

I own a 2022 S8 and agree with this review. People are blown away with the smoothness and luxury of this car. My two friends have a MB GT53 amg and a BMW M8 and they both regret their lack of level of comfort compared to my car. It’s also very easy to use and drive. I don’t like gimmicks in cars and don’t want to search for functions. This is a great happy medium when it comes to touch screens.

[@ruddy8787]

I think Audi sits between BMW and Merc - comfort and performance. Congrats on your S8.

[@Atreusz]

buy an amg and then be annoyed by the lack of comfort....made my day 🤣🙈

[@ruddy8787]

@@Atreusz really that’s very surprising especially coming from Merc

[@timnaomi346]

​@@Atreuszhonestly you nailed enough said 😏

[@IAMPOPP]

I may only have an B8.5 S4, it may be 10 years old, but it still shines with its brilliant Phantom Black paint and still looks like a current year car. Audi's are Timeless!

[@scooter5940]

That’s because Audi doesn’t update its styling.

[@michaelschneider-]

@@scooter5940 ... Nonsense. .. Audi AG styling is evolutionary. .

[@gullible119]

@@scooter5940lol

[@crimson888]

Those who drive an S8 are confident wealthy people that do not want to show their wealth - flying under the radar in style opulence and an extremely powerful engine. Audi has really hit it out of the park with this car

[@mortofromoz1]

My dream garage. S8, RS6 Avant and a powerball jackpot win to afford to run them.

[@RealGrooveRandom]

Yeah.. exactly the same for me both cars RS6 GT Avant and S8

[@angeltshabalala4125]

You've actually said what I normally say to people about audi!! It doesn't scream look at me, I'm all successful and all that, audi is actually a sigma car, it knows its worth, it doesn't require validation from those around them. I think it defines me as well and that's what I like. It's quiet and impressive to the one driving it

[@tcaudiobooks737]

I've always liked the "it doesn't matter who knows, YOU know" attitude to wealth, success and nice things.

[@japookie]

@@tcaudiobooks737 if this were true companies such as rolls royce and bentley would not exist

[@tcaudiobooks737]

@@japookie If what were true? There is more than just one attitude towards wealth, success and nice things.

[@SHIFTYDCR]

Its only negative is how uncomfortable it makes all my other cars feel. Excellent review! Thank You

[@stephenhunt6673]

A very effusive review. Thanks Tom. Have you driven the S8 (D4) gen (2014-2018) or S8+ at all? I have a 2015 S8 and bought it as one of my dream cars. It’s black (of course) & has The Transporter vibe. Personally I prefer the D4 as it doesn’t quite look as ‘fat’ as the D5 and I do prefer the analogue dial and buttons of the D4 S8. Yes it chews the juice if you want to have some fun, but typically around the city it will use in the 13s/14s litres per 100kms and on a run to the snowfields, I’ve achieved low 8s litres per 100km consistently (due to cylinder deactivation feature), and that’s with 3 or 4 people and a boot jammed packed with luggage. It’s just a shame we have pathetically low highway/freeway speed limits in Australia. The S8 would easily sit on 150km/h (and the rest) all day, but even raising the limit to 130km/h would be a start. In short, a great car, even better a few years old and getting it at 30% of the original price. Owners of these tend to look after them, so with a good service history, you should be ok. The Audi S8 is the best saloon looks, performance & luxury this side of a Bentley Flying Spur!

[@paranormalchef5211]

Awesome review and well said.

[@ronaldlamascus1944]

We absolutely love our 2013 A8L for all the reasons stated in your review! We ordered it equipped exactly as we wanted in 2013 and even today, it looks and drives amazing! And even though it is a regular A8L and not an S, it has awesome power and was tested by Car and Driver at 3.9 seconds to 60 mph which is remarkable! It’s been an extremely reliable vehicle with only one warranty claim for a vanity light switch and routine yearly maintenance which here in the States, Audi has maintenance packages that are very reasonably priced. It’s fast, it’s comfortable, reliable, luxurious, still beautiful and best of all, it’s paid for!!

[@bigolow641]

Do you have the 4.0T. ? I have the 2013 A8L 4.0T and got a. Stage 1 tune and let me tell you, it’s a rocket ship.😊

[@PocketRehab]

Ive watched a lot of reviews on the S8 and you did a fantastic job. Thank you.

[@sonidosdeltrono1089]

Great job; thank you!! Good job; great narrative!

[@vsboy2577]

It is always fun to watch videos on expensive cars

[@rem05033]

Wow! Great review. I bought my 2023 S8 eleven months ago. You summed it up quite well. Thanks!

[@ruddy8787]

Nice review Tom always love your honest reviews even though I may have to sell my kidneys for this S8 I bought a new A4 Quattro and love the car from day 1 - plush, smoothness, cruiser on the highway and the materials used is top notch. The Germans know how to make great cars. May have to upgrade to an RSQ3 in the nearby future after watching your past review on the RSQ3.

[@NZsarge1]

Once I had won the big lottery this car would totally be my jam, always been a fan of the S8. The very last of the previous model I would say was slightly better looking but this one would still give goosebumps when you’ve parked it up for the day and you look back at it before disappearing inside the house.

[@chasingcars]

100 percent

[@maxocean344]

Brilliant review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@thulaneking-priest6229]

Timeliness ingenuity and engineering. Not hyped up but the best. As modern and sophisticated as I am - this is the car I would buy. Solid in every front with no pretenses. Thank you for a refreshing video.

[@TankEngine15]

Your opening monologue nailed it Tom. G Wagons are shouty. When I win lotto I'm going to be the 11th buyer this year. ❤😂

[@DoctorP131]

Very nice! No black wheels, weird grey paint and fake exhaust. You can spec it with 'modest' 20 inch wheels and wood interior and lots of chrome trim. If you want it to be 'shouty', you can also do that! Endless possibilities. Already configured mine but that's where it will end 😢

[@andreiureche8736]

The dude speaking skills are on another level!

[@goran2009]

Beautiful 🇩🇪 engineering 😍

[@nigelha3699]

S8 D4/D5 or Panama turbo? Being able to drop the rear seats is a positive

[@Tracertme]

People with class and breading something money can’t buy.. very well put.. ❤ not many of them in 🇦🇺 Australia 😅

[@dennischeng4391]

I am a VW and Audi guy and this car is truly glorious!

[@brandywell44]

I think there are requirements for what we call luxury cars. A stable wheelbase, easy steering that does not need constant correction, comfortable suspension and large wheel and tyre sizes, large comfortable seating. a quiet drivetrain that is low revving and unstressed at normal high speeds. What we never really needed was government regulation that puts cars out of the price range of normal people. No one will pay $300,000 for that car it will be rented because the commitment belongs to the rental company.

[@danielhockin6705]

Ronin still lives on... nice..

[@chasingcars]

Yep

[@pinchers1]

love this car , ill get one in about 4 years when the prices drop like i did with my now 2017 d4 s8 plus

[@SoftPorridge]

Love it

[@michaelk1714]

Great review, it's a bit of a shame that all car manufacturers going for more and more screens. I find the old climat controls to be way more practical its almost as the designers don't actually have driving license, but maybe it's only me...

[@JeffTrop]

I traded in my C8 2021 Audi RS7 for a 2023 S8 with the Sport Package and blacked out grill, and chrome delete w/22" black wheels from Audi and it does look a bit more menacing. Compared to the RS7 that shares the same motor, it doesn't feel down on power (USA rates it 30 less HP same 591tq) It's much roomier, massaging seats and huge rear seat legroom. US models are built on the A8L platform. I also agree it's the best car I've owned.

[@vishnubeniwal8784]

Awesome

[@nchia]

Hey, Valtteri Bottas got to drive an AUDI after all!

[@chasingcars]

Ha

[@Aqeilgxerubcsrtg]

When ever think about Audi A8/S8 , i saw a picture in my mind of the car leaning on the front right or the the left tire because the Air Suspension issues always with Audi and specifically the A8 unfortunately. Thats why i went with the BMW M 760 Li X-drive

[@DPK12]

Had one for 3 weeks in London, 5 visits to petrol station and I never got over 60 MPH

[@andyh5666]

Nice. Going to check the couch for loose change and rush out. Might track it 😆

[@gregorygant4242]

You need a lot of loose change to buy this thing mate! Better keep it for essentials like groceries, home supplies etc!

[@shaunrayner]

Awesome review Tom!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@zohanele.d139]

Excellent assessment. Do you know if there will be another A8/S8 with a petrol engine or will it be EV?

[@doneB830]

If it’s an EV they won’t sell any.

[@lebtfurimmer107]

Sadly,i think,after this generation there will no more s8…

[@getbenzd]

Looks nice but needs to have a tow truck option for when it goes into an electrical meltdown and becomes a really big paperweight.

[@bhekiematsebula9375]

Very beautiful ❤️

[@Optimus79Prime]

Great video.What is this color?

[@chasingcars]

This colour is called firmament blue.

[@Optimus79Prime]

@@chasingcars Thank you

[@spiro5327]

That is a bold claim though i would imagine having driven many and varied car's in your time you would have a fairly good idea what rates as the best. I wonder what an RS 8 would be like ?

[@chasingcars]

I think it’s one of the best, as I mentioned. Not sure I could genuinely tell you the best… my opinion changes often!

[@samcas707]

If my 300k+ rs6 perf had an s8 interior than that would be best car in the world

[@chasingcars]

I agree

[@The4over]

Its my dream car ❤❤

[@driveczech]

We have one A8 L in our fleet and it is a really good car! Our boss love it! This car is not at the service that often like the S-class.

[@glennbell5075]

Hi Tom beautiful car would be Interesting how it compares to a LS500 F Sport which does the air suspension trick as well and is around that 0-100k time as well and has the amazing Mark Levinson reference sound system plus the amazing build quality & about $100k cheaper.

[@iSOBigD]

I'd be curious what he thinks of the G90 which is also much cheaper but looks closer to a Bentley inside than this does. I'm surprised at the amount of gloss black and shiny plastic looking surfaces all over this car which you don't find in the most luxurious cars. Definitely a good performance and luxury mix, but not at 300k. I feel bad for Australians getting shafted on cars.

[@kalvo2100]

very good car , Super car , my dream car😍

[@peteranderson7497]

Your assessment is probably correct; BUT, if I won the lottery I would be looking at a RED RS 7 Sportback!!! But until then I'd have a Mazda CX-3 😞

[@stephenhunt6673]

Agree. The current RS7 is a very mean looking & attractive car.

[@johnholst]

I can't get over how expensive cars are in Australia! Is 100K like the minimum wage there? :)

[@chasingcars]

100K AUD = 66K USD at the time of writing

[@glisse499]

The Australian price includes large amount of taxes. The RRP/MRSP price before taxes in Australia is AUD217,262. Which is USD141,300 or Euro131'657. The price of this car with the exact same options (IOW, nearly all of them) is higher in both Germany and in the US. As Tom noted, only around 10 people a year buy these, and it is unlikely any are on the minimum wage. And as Tom rightly pointed out, this car represents strong value for money within its category. It is interesting that Audi have priced it so low - there is no equivalent model sold by BMW or Mercedes in Australia. Their 6 cylinder 7 series and S Class models cost more than the S8 when optioned near the same level. In the case of the BMW740i, a huge amount more. Crazy. Perhaps the Audi accountants didn't bother checking, given they only sell about 10 of these a year according to Tom. An admirable and iconic car, well reviewed and well appreciated by Tom. Enjoyed it.

[@gregorygant4242]

Yeah but those taxes aren't so much in Germany ,US as in AUS are they ? Crazy taxes in OZ !

[@supermikeb]

For ten minutes I've been trying to understand where you got your price from? I'm showing they cost $125,000.

[@gullible119]

Joe achilles got a 3.44 sec launch control 😮

[@AdamAus85]

It boggles the mind that Alfa with their Giulia can have a seamless infotainment screen thanks to an additional piece of plastic that covers the actual screen and Audi has this chintzy and obvious break between the dash and the screen. I mean fark me. And all that gloss black plastic, why?

[@chimwemunyenyembe4215]

Did he mention what kind of engine is in there, and how much power does it produce? I like knowing the engine specifications immediately the video starts 😂😂

[@Under_Construction100]

I once offended a few people when i, according to my opinion, mentioned that for me A8 is a glorified A6 (which is a glorified A4). Tech/gadgets may be of a premium salon but the looks are mehhh. Its such a forgettable car. But i like your explanation that it's for buyers who want to keep an extremely low profile. For this segment i remain a fan of the previous gen 7 series.

[@ElusiveTy]

A very respectable opinion. While I disagree that it's glorified, I appreciate that you acknowledge its niche. It definitely fits one and for those that are more on the 'wealthy' rather than 'rich' side, someone that would rather avoid an S class because it's too 'show-y', perhaps, it really fits the bill.

[@Under_Construction100]

@@ElusiveTy I like cars that are "sleepers", the ones that make you go "ghost" if you know what I mean. And as much as the A8 isn't my favourite but it fits that segment of keeping a low profile very well. If I bought an S Class or a 7 series, people who thought they knew me would do a quick Google search on me but if I bought an A8 very few would wonder what do I do for a living. Now that's a very nice car to have.

[@deniss2786]

The best car of yesteryears.

[@zaamuro8408]

Makes no sense in Australia...but I want one

[@chasingcars]

Same

[@Oleksandr-snk]

How much????

[@Hkolev1]

Hey man have you ever see the G WAGON … no comparison with anything I drove

[@sentshocote1373]

I like your sunglasses mate🔥🔥🔥whats the name of the brand?

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Uber fast cars in Australia rarely get put through their paces because their drivers value their licences too much.

[@paulkazzer]

An S8 Avant. Yes please.

[@gullible119]

S6 avant?

[@donkroh4986]

I think better return on investment options are available.

[@MJ-bs1ft]

My 2023 45 Q5 does pretty much all of that. For only $62k

[@Faas4life]

my 2015 S8 runs like a champ - still head turning ...

[@chuck2syck258]

This price is big wild 🤣, there isn’t 200k worth of car there let alone 300🙅🏽‍♂️

[@tepidtuna7450]

Sometimes a high price is beneficial to the well healed. Depreciation can be offset, lowering their tax bills a little. All legal. Edit: Yes, I agree with you.

[@wesley_snipes]

Perfect vehicle for an Albanian gangster like me

[@genghiskhan8148]

it is the best car in the world

[@bronwynmijic538]

Great car but a bit concerned in your style of driving with your arms crossing over , never safe

[@thehoov6672]

Can't wait to hear the replacement estimate of those predictive airbag suspension in 10 years 😂😂 S class owners would Understanding.

[@kurakuson]

I haven't see 95 Octane in my state in the US.

[@MrKillahippo]

my hoon days r far behind me, I'm very much after the quietest, smoothest ride possible. don't care about all the bells and whistles. I remember been driven around in a friends, Jag , late 80's, Though that was a soft quiet car then,. My in laws S 500 2017-18 was on par too.

[@Godliketraveler]

Watching 287000$ car while can’t even afford 2800$ car . Can you imagine??

[@goldistocks609]

Australian dollars, for anyone wondering

[@vtc4ever]

You cant ask more from a gentleman's car.

[@andyz9455]

Saw this car on Carsales, 188k drive away now

[@chasingcars]

Bargain

[@NexusSeries6]

Not according to that infotainment setup from 2016

[@foxtrot762]

Audi paid this guy 😂😂😂

[@Ground53]

Looks great Audi especially as BMW design team have lost their way 😊

[@waldorph2000]

I think the only let down is the interior plastics and finish. Same as a Vw golf. The bad piano plastic everywhere…

[@fatfreddyscoat7564]

That touch screen centre panel for the hvac system is absolutely dangerous: I’m waiting for a hefty lawsuit and them to be banned.

[@mart_en]

Unfortunately the car looks hideous in its proportions. The frontal overhang is way too long for a dynamic luxurious sedan and the distance from front wheels to the doors is way too short for a prestigious automobile.

[@gene978]

I wouldn’t think anyone buying this car has little kids to worry about the back seat playing around.

[@chasingcars]

Some do, actually. Others have grandchildren

[@petervanhooijdonk9650]

Mercedes s-class smokes the pack all day

[@JayG0o]

It's a good Hire Car

[@97Crazysteve]

Love me an Audi, but "the best car in the world" wouldn't lose half its value in barely 5 years.

[@Healthytruth]

Did you say 300 K !!!!?

[@jumboJetPilot]

My only issue with it - the interior can only be had in all-black or in base-black. Sorry but I’m not fond of black interiors.

[@user-ub5vd3ws6r]

The blogger is very scary to watch how he position his hands on he drive. I believe and positive that the way how to drive

[@PedjolinoMarkovic]

One of the most best cars in the world 🤔

[@srspower]

300K is absurdly expensive for a car like that.

[@nerdalert4444]

$70k in 3 years!

[@robinsingh4373]

How can you use the word best when there is 2024 s class ?

[@chasingcars]

Because this is better than the current S-Class

[@mosesmanaka8109]

I will buy it because of the cigarette lighters even though l don't smoke any longer.

[@flowaus]

Great car, but the depreciation? Ouch.

[@chasingcars]

Doubtful it’s a factor for the old money that buy this model.

[@gregorygant4242]

300 K AUD ? That's out of reach for most people. Those taxes in OZ are crazy mate !

[@gockelxxxxxl9584]

In Germany they cost 150k € or in AUD 230k. It’s „only“ a difference of 70k and keep in mind that the average Australian earns much more than the average German

[@gregorygant4242]

@@gockelxxxxxl9584 Really how so ? Where did you get that statistic from ? You're averaging the WHOLE population or averaging the TOP tier earners ? I think you're including the super rich like Murdoch or Reinhart there mate ! You have to look at GDP per capita .

[@gockelxxxxxl9584]

@@gregorygant4242 The median income is higher (45k vs 51k) and Australia has around 3 times more millionaires per 100k capita (3.9% vs 11.2%). And is the S8 a car that the average Joe should afford? No, because it’s a LUXURY car and the word luxury implies that it can’t be affordable for the majority of the population. And I can’t write my sources down because KZbin will delete my comment…

[@gregorygant4242]

@@gockelxxxxxl9584 Total BS ! Your "sources" are trash !

[@djordjelezajic8435]

The manufacturing of cars is very advanced, and every company is using the same CNC machines anyway, the skill and talent of making cars is irrelevant ( and it wasn' t always like that in the past). Anyway, I think it would be useful if the host(s) would evaluate cars based on VALUE, since it is almost understood that when you blow $200.000 ( or more,)on the car, you are supposed to get the best of everything.

[@napoleonnz]

The problem with car reviewers is that they don't have to buy the cars they test. They don't have to endure the horrendous depreciation and maintenance costs of Euro barges like this Audi. Fun until the warranty expires or until you want it sold. So I take whatever they say in full knowledge of those factors, plus the freebies they get from some suppliers.

[@chasingcars]

Mate, if you’re buying an Audi S8, you don’t care about depreciation. For the tiny sliver of genuinely wealthy people who buy this car, it’s a drop in the ocean - and they generally keep them for a long time, negating the entire topic.

[@sickbozzer]

@@chasingcarsbacking your point up, a couple who live near to me have had a D2 Audi s8 since new (2002). Definitely not wrong in terms of keeping those cars for a long time but also these cars eventually appreciate and become modern classics, which has happened with the D2 generation of A8/S8.

[@givvia6782]

I think even if you were wealthy Tom you're going to cringe/cry at that kind of depreciation! @@chasingcars A smart move would be to buy one second hand, near new, low km's!

[@NZsarge1]

@@chasingcars Yes exactly, before you could really entertain personal ownership of any of the big German luxo barges you really need pretty serious f**k you money so depreciation wouldn’t be a big deal.

[@HaruHaruman]

Rich people (who are likely in the market for these cars) don't really care about the stupid depreciation. If your stupid logic stands, everyone should be driving a Toyota or a Chinese vehicles.

[@albertol9654]

For 300k it better come with a free small house.

[@gregorygant4242]

Well after shelling out 300K it will become your new house , you're gonna live in that thing !

[@tool8337]

I think the w213 E-class is the best car in the world considering price. Price not an object, I think the S8 has too much piano black to be the best car in the world. The infotainment is frankly inferior to MBUX and it's too dark. Overall, assuming optioning the top level leather and sound systems, the S8 is very good but I'd argue that its the S class or the new ICE 7-series (which admittedly is not my style) are better. If it's my money though, I'm taking the W222 S560 or the current Panamera Sport Turismo.

[@gregorygant4242]

You can get it without the piano black if you want to !

[@tool8337]

@@gregorygant4242 My issue is that some of the elements remain piano black no matter what trim option is selected. Yes, some of the trim can be selected in wood, carbon or aluminum. I am on a crusade against the stuff and find that any amount is unacceptable - especially in luxury cars. Its more fine in cheap cars where the interior would be plastic anyway (I still think it's ugly and they should use more durable plastics). However, it's so frustrating that Mercedes and Audi replace materials that would have historically been leather, metal, or wood with cheap plastic that scratches and shows fingerprints like nothing else.

[@gregorygant4242]

@@tool8337 Most of the trim can selected with wood , leather or aluminium very little remains in piano black then I've seen it !

[@tool8337]

@@gregorygant4242 unfortunately thats not the case in the A6, A7, A8, Q8. The entire lower part of the dashboard, center console, and door panels are always piano black no matter what trim is selected. I cant insert pictures here but google the a8 interior, but you can go to the configurator on Audi’s website l and see what im talking about.

[@imwithname843]

In 4 to 5 years you will get this bout 21000 €uros..

[@chasingcars]

A steal if so.