Out on the open road, the V6 diesel really is an impressive engine. Quiet, refined and smooth, it offers more than enough power to get the big A8 up and moving and keep it humming along at highway speeds with plenty in reserve. It is such a capable engine, we were left wondering whether you really need to consider either of the other two options. That’s by no means a critique of the bigger engines, more a notch in the belt of the V6 and its real world performance.
The next step from there is the seriously impressive A8 4.2 TDI V8 engine. A price premium just over fifty grand means you’ll be forking out $249,900 for the privilege. Your money does get you the most powerful diesel engine in the Audi fleet, one with 283kW and a monstrous 850Nm. Fuel consumption remains frugal, though, with an official figure of 7.4L/100km. As you’d expect, 850Nm delivers one hell of a thump in the back when it comes to standing â€" or roll on â€" acceleration. The V8 belies its diesel make up to emit a potent growl as revs rise. It never assaults the calm of the V8 cabin in a grating way though.
For the first time in four years the Audi S8 returns, and its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine is nothing short of astonishing in terms of its performance, with 382kW and 650Nm on offer along with a sub-10-litre fuel figure (9.6-litres/100km). The cost of all this ability is an eye-watering $279,900.
Plant your foot in the S8 and the big sedan heads for the horizon with a startling turn of speed. The S8 comes standard with Audi Drive Select and regardless of the mode selected, the S8 delivers sharper turn in, and even more competent balance than either of the diesel models. Despite the cost, Audi reckons one in three A8 models sold will be an S8.
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