2021 Audi S8

TXSTYLE · 07-22-2020, 05:44 PM

Not so much of a performance review as a Walk around and Features.

Very impressive... It would be the only version I would insist on as the A8 is just far too bland. Take note of the REAL exhaust!

Thoughts?

Lawguy · 07-22-2020, 06:18 PM

I drove the “new” 2020 S8. Nice engine and ride but the interior touchscreen was the death of my interest.

Al Pinã · 07-22-2020, 09:30 PM

And people complain about the size of the new 7-Series grille!?

In all seriousness; Audi products are far too sterile for someone like myself. I like the engagement that comes with spirited driving. Audi doesn't offer that in anything short of an R8. For a long time I wanted an RS7, and then I drove one and the magic was lost. Steering felt numb even by BMW standards. Infotainment is leagues behind the iDrive setup, with the exception of the map built into the gauges.

I feel like the homogenization that came with being absorbed into VW Group diluted most of the motorsport heritage that made Audi the offbeat, fun and exciting German brand.

Markr · 07-23-2020, 01:25 AM

I agree with your comments about the numb steering. I had 3 A8’s in a row (D3, D4 and D4 PI) and when I was due to change I test drove the D5 and just could not bring myself to get one. Touch screens were too hard to use when driving, fingerprints everywhere, ruined MMI, and the gearshift is too big and uncomfortable to use.

I went with the 7 as my first ever BMW and have to confess it is the best car I have owned. I love the Ruby Black exterior, the ivory interior and complete lack of plastic, the tech and the way it drives.

It would take a lot to get me out of this!!

Bev7 · 07-23-2020, 05:56 AM

Interesting we have near identical cars Markr, my previous cars have been Audi’s mainly the 3.0 A6 variants. Whilst I did like the previous generation of Audi I cannot seem to gel with the new interiors. My last car Audi Q5 lasted around 3 months as I just couldn’t live with the drive, it was way too bumpy. I shouldn’t have ventured from my saloon cars of old.....

The current 740D is the best car I have owned and driven to date. It always seems to get a compliment whenever it’s park in town.

No one ever said “ that’s a nice looking Audi “ when I owned one.

Sadly though the car is going on Friday - being traded in for a 530D touring as I need the estate ...

Daans · 07-23-2020, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Not so much of a performance review as a Walk around and Features.

Very impressive... It would be the only version I would insist on as the A8 is just far too bland. Take note of the REAL exhaust!

Thoughts?

Watch This vid in YouTube 👌

740I_yeye · 07-23-2020, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bev7

Interesting we have near identical cars Markr, my previous cars have been Audi’s mainly the 3.0 A6 variants. Whilst I did like the previous generation of Audi I cannot seem to gel with the new interiors. My last car Audi Q5 lasted around 3 months as I just couldn’t live with the drive, it was way too bumpy. I shouldn’t have ventured from my saloon cars of old.....

The current 740D is the best car I have owned and driven to date. It always seems to get a compliment whenever it’s park in town.

No one ever said “ that’s a nice looking Audi “ when I owned one.

Sadly though the car is going on Friday - being traded in for a 530D touring as I need the estate ...

Shame there isn’t a 7 estate haha... I’ve always wondered what I could possibly replace this car with and I’ve never found anything better, for me, genuinely. She’s a beaut sad to see her go and hope you’ll enjoy the new 530D!

TXSTYLE · 07-23-2020, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daans

Watch This vid in YouTube 👌

Link to video???

Daans · 07-23-2020, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daans

Watch This vid in YouTube 👌

Link to video???

Hope it works

Moopai · 07-23-2020, 11:01 PM

Very nice ride, I like the instrument cluster, it's way better than the IC of the G12.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Not so much of a performance review as a Walk around and Features.

Very impressive... It would be the only version I would insist on as the A8 is just far too bland. Take note of the REAL exhaust!

Thoughts?

TXSTYLE · 07-23-2020, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moopai

Very nice ride, I like the instrument cluster, it's way better than the IC of the G12.

Agree with that aspect too. Althoug, I prefer the 2020 LCI exterior and the Quilted Seating and interior.

TXSTYLE · 07-24-2020, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daans

Hope it works

Thanks! Good video!

Wish it were in English but I got the point... I think.

Wavy · 08-01-2020, 02:54 PM

I checked out a S8 at the dealer. The tech in the probably the best until the W223 comes out but the interior quality is a little lacking.

NewQ · 08-02-2020, 12:02 AM

I thought the ride and comfort was superior to all else in its category, including the S-Class. I had to test drive a Flying Spur to get something similar.

Inside is mixed for me. Some elements are fantastic; I thought the door panels alone were almost worth the cost of the car with the beautiful combination of suede, leather, metal, and open pore wood.

But there's too much gloss black plastic.

I know Audi may call it "piano black", but true "piano back" is deeply lacquered wood. This is not that; this is black plastic.

It's the primary visual element in the interior, as it goes all the way across the dash in a huge chunk. The center console is also completely black plastic, which is weird, because the A6 replaces that with wood, and seems more upmarket by doing so.

I get the look Audi was going for, but it's way too much plastic in a car like this.

07-22-2020, 05:44 PM	#1
TXSTYLE "Salud" 13836 Rep 4,673 Posts Drives: F01 & F15 / Mineral White Join Date: May 2013 Location: The GYM! (The Burbs - N TX) iTrader: (0)	2021 Audi S8 Not so much of a performance review as a Walk around and Features. Very impressive... It would be the only version I would insist on as the A8 is just far too bland. Take note of the REAL exhaust! Thoughts? __________________
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07-22-2020, 06:18 PM	#2
Lawguy Lieutenant 311 Rep 401 Posts Drives: 2023 Tesla Model S Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Louisville iTrader: (0)	I drove the “new” 2020 S8. Nice engine and ride but the interior touchscreen was the death of my interest.
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07-22-2020, 09:30 PM	#3
Al Pinã Major 1840 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: Alpina XB7 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	And people complain about the size of the new 7-Series grille!? In all seriousness; Audi products are far too sterile for someone like myself. I like the engagement that comes with spirited driving. Audi doesn't offer that in anything short of an R8. For a long time I wanted an RS7, and then I drove one and the magic was lost. Steering felt numb even by BMW standards. Infotainment is leagues behind the iDrive setup, with the exception of the map built into the gauges. I feel like the homogenization that came with being absorbed into VW Group diluted most of the motorsport heritage that made Audi the offbeat, fun and exciting German brand. __________________ Blessed Beyond Measure
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07-23-2020, 01:25 AM	#4
Markr First Lieutenant 483 Rep 312 Posts Drives: BMW 740d Xdrive M Sport Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Wiltshire, UK iTrader: (0)	I agree with your comments about the numb steering. I had 3 A8’s in a row (D3, D4 and D4 PI) and when I was due to change I test drove the D5 and just could not bring myself to get one. Touch screens were too hard to use when driving, fingerprints everywhere, ruined MMI, and the gearshift is too big and uncomfortable to use. I went with the 7 as my first ever BMW and have to confess it is the best car I have owned. I love the Ruby Black exterior, the ivory interior and complete lack of plastic, the tech and the way it drives. It would take a lot to get me out of this!! __________________ Current: 2018 BMW G11 740d MSport XDrive Past: 2015 Audi 3.0tdi A8L, 2012 Audi 3.0tdi A8L, 2009 Audi 3.0tdi A8, 2005 Jaguar 4.2V8 XJL, 2000 Jaguar 4.0V8 XJL + many others
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07-23-2020, 05:56 AM	#5
Bev7 New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 740d Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Perthshire Scotland iTrader: (0)	Interesting we have near identical cars Markr, my previous cars have been Audi’s mainly the 3.0 A6 variants. Whilst I did like the previous generation of Audi I cannot seem to gel with the new interiors. My last car Audi Q5 lasted around 3 months as I just couldn’t live with the drive, it was way too bumpy. I shouldn’t have ventured from my saloon cars of old..... The current 740D is the best car I have owned and driven to date. It always seems to get a compliment whenever it’s park in town. No one ever said “ that’s a nice looking Audi “ when I owned one. Sadly though the car is going on Friday - being traded in for a 530D touring as I need the estate ... Attached Images
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08-01-2020, 02:54 PM	#13
Wavy Captain 1174 Rep 842 Posts Drives: B8 Join Date: May 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I checked out a S8 at the dealer. The tech in the probably the best until the W223 comes out but the interior quality is a little lacking. __________________ '23 B8, '84 Monte Carlo SS, '23 Escalade, '21 S 580, '20 AMG GT 53 , '18 LS 500, '18 X6, '16 Corvette, '12 750Li, '14 GS 350, '13 ES 350, '10 Maxima, '09 Challenger
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08-02-2020, 12:02 AM	#14
NewQ Private First Class 92 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 750i Join Date: May 2016 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I thought the ride and comfort was superior to all else in its category, including the S-Class. I had to test drive a Flying Spur to get something similar. Inside is mixed for me. Some elements are fantastic; I thought the door panels alone were almost worth the cost of the car with the beautiful combination of suede, leather, metal, and open pore wood. But there's too much gloss black plastic. I know Audi may call it "piano black", but true "piano back" is deeply lacquered wood. This is not that; this is black plastic. It's the primary visual element in the interior, as it goes all the way across the dash in a huge chunk. The center console is also completely black plastic, which is weird, because the A6 replaces that with wood, and seems more upmarket by doing so. I get the look Audi was going for, but it's way too much plastic in a car like this.
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